Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Question 1

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer 1

Abdominal pain and bloating associated with a change in bowel habits

Question 2

Does irritable bowel syndrome require a counselling room?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

What are 7 red flags for referral with irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer 3

1. Blood in the stool
2. Fever/ Nausea/ Vomiting
3. Children <16 years and Adults >45 years with recent change to bowel habit
4. Steatorrhea (Oily stool)
5. Unexplained weight loss.
6. Signs of bowel obstruction.
7. Persistent symptoms/unresponsive to over-the-counter treatment

Question 4

Does irritable bowel syndrome have a PSA self-care card?

Answer 4

Yes (IBS)

Question 5

What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer 5

Simethicone 100mg capsule (De-Gas)

Question 6

What are the directions for Simethicone 100mg capsule (De-Gas) in irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer 6

Adults and children over 12 years: Take 1 or 2 capsules as needed after meals or at bedtime. Do not exceed 5 capsules in 24 hours.

Question 7

What is 1 non-preferred over-the-counter option for irritable bowel syndrome and why?

Answer 7

1. Peppermint Oil 0.2mL Capsule (Mintec): cannot be used in breastfeeding, or in children.

Question 8

Is Simethicone 100mg capsule (De-Gas) safe in pregnancy?

Answer 8

Yes (although you should refer for assessment).

Question 9

Is Simethicone 100mg capsule (De-Gas) safe in breastfeeding?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

What is the age range for Simethicone 100mg capsule (De-Gas)?

Answer 10

Safe in children over 12 years

Question 11

What are 4 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer 11

1. Diet modification to low FODMAP diet: avoid lactose, artificial sweeteners etc.
2. Increased dietary Fibre: most evidence for Psyllium based products. i.e., Metamucil.
3. Avoid trigger factors including stress, large meals, fatty foods, caffeine and exacerbating medications.
4. As bloating is a common symptom of many conditions it is important to conduct a thorough history to understand the root cause

Question 12

What are 5 common causes of bloating?

Answer 12

1. Constipation
2. Food intolerance
3. IBS
4. Imbalance of hormones
5. Some medicines

Question 13

What are the 3 types of IBS?

Answer 13

1. Diarrhoea predominant
2. Constipation predominant
3. Alternating symptom profiles

Question 14

What is the mechanism of action of simethicone in irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer 14

Anti-foaming agent that joins up all the gas bubbles in the stomach, so they are easier to pass.

Question 15

What are 4 potential trigger factors for irritable bowel syndrome?

Answer 15

1. Stress
2. Certain food and drinks
3. Gastrointestinal infections
4. Certain medications