Irritable bowel syndrome

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A chronic gastrointestinal disorder that, in the absence of any other causative disease, is defined as the presence of abdominal pain or discomfort with altered bowel habits

Question 2

Aetiology/ causes

Answer 2

The exact cause is unknown

Potential causative factors could include muscle contractions in the intestine that are unusually strong, abnormalities in the nervous system of the intestines, inflammation of the intestines, and severe infections such as gastroenteritis and bacterial colonisation of the intestines

Question 3

Risk factors

Answer 3

Family history

Question 4

Epidemiology/ Population affected

Answer 4

More common in females

Most people will present with symptoms before the age of 45

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Abdominal pain
Cramping or bloating
Indigestion
Alterations in bowel movement patterns
Excess flatulence

Question 6

Prognosis

Answer 6

Normally a life-long condition with symptoms coming and going over time

There is no cure but diet changes and medication can aid in symptom relief

Question 7

DDX

Answer 7

IBS with diarrhoea

lactose intolerance
High caffeine/ alcohol intake
Gastrointestinal infections
Inflammatory bowel disease
Coeliac disease
Hyperthyroidism

IBS with constipation

Inadequate fiber intake
Immobility
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Spinal injury
Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Hypercalcemia
Bowel obstruction