Irritable bowel syndrome

Question 1

What are the risk factors for IBS?

Answer 1

Female sex
Age >50 years
Previous enteric infection
Previous physical or sexual abuse

Question 2

What are the potential symptoms of IBS?

Answer 2

Abdominal discomfort / pain
Change in bowel habit - often fluctuating constipation and diarrhoea
Abdominal blaoting
Mucous in stool
Faecal urgency
Tenesmus

Question 3

What are the potential complications of IBS?

Answer 3

Psychological effects (depression),
social effects (work, social life),
sleep disorders,
diverticulosis