IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) Flashcards
Definition
Common condition that affects the digestive system
Aetiology
Exact aetiology is unknown
has been linked to things like food passing through your gut too quickly or too slowly, oversensitive nerves in your gut, stress and family history of IBS
Epidemiology
Affecting 10-30% of the population worldwide (1 in 5 report symptoms)
Risk factors
Some factors that can trigger the onset of IBS:
– affective disorders like depression or anxiety
– psychological stress and trauma
– GI infection
– Antibiotic therapy
– Sexual, physical or verbal abuse
– pelvic surgery
– eating disorders
Clinical presentation
Common symptoms:
– stomach pain or cramps- usually after eating and better after doing a poo
– bloating- tummy may feel uncomfortable and swollen
– diarrhoea
– constipation
– sensation of incomplete evacuation
May be flare ups some days where these symptoms are worse, they may be triggered by food and drink
Non-GI features:
- gynaecological symptoms:
— painful periods
— pain following sexual intercourse
- urinary symptoms:
— frequency
— urgency
— passing during at night
— incomplete emptying of the bladder
Other symptoms:
— joint hyper mobility
— back pain
— headaches
— bad breath, unpleasant test in the mouth
— poor sleeping
— fatigue
Coexists with:
— fatigue syndrome
— fibromyalgia
— TMJ dysfunction
Different types of IBS based on stool pattern
IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D)
Mixed IBS (IBS-M)
Unsubtyped IBS
Prognosis
There is no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms
Usually a lifelong problem. Can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life.