irritable bowel syndrome

Question 1

symptoms of ibs

Answer 1

pain below the navel and to the left. constipation or diarrhoea, bloating, trapped wind.

Question 2

triggers of ibs

Answer 2

stress, bowel infection, lack of fibre or spicy foods

Question 3

referral criteria

Answer 3

blood in stools, under 16, no previous ibs history, fever, nausea, vomiting, adults 45+ with a change in bowel habits and sever abdominal pain.

Question 4

treatment options

Answer 4

anti-spasmodics, anti muscarinics and muscle relaxants.

Question 5

what are anti-spasmodics?

Answer 5

reduces muscle spasms in gut relieving cramps

Question 6

what are antimuscarinics?

Answer 6

used to slow down movements of intestinal muscles.

Question 7

types of antimuscarinics

Answer 7

hyoscine and dicyloverine

Question 8

what is hyoscine and restrictions around use

Answer 8

hyoscine butybromide is only suitable for adults. starting dose in one tab three times a daily. mian side effects are dry mouth and constipation. shouldnt be used with anti-histamines and anti-depressants.

Question 9

what is dicyloverine?

Answer 9

can be sold as a single dose of 10mg and a max daily dose of 60mg

Question 10

what are muscle relaxants?

Answer 10

direct relaxant effect on smooth muscle of intestinal wall thereby relieving spasms.

Question 11

types of muscle relaxants

Answer 11

mebeverine, alverine and peppermint oil.

Question 12

what is mebeverine?

Answer 12

for adults, dose of one tab three times daily, 20 mins before meal

Question 13

what is alverine and the restrictions around use?

Answer 13

recommended for 12+ available as either 60mg or 120mg . side effects include nausea, headache and dizziness.

Question 14

what is peppermint oil and the restrictions around use?

Answer 14

suitable for 15+ with a dose of one cap three times daily. main side effects are heartburn