Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Question 1

What is IBS?

Answer 1

A functional GI disorder characterised by abdominal discomfort, bloating or pain associated with defecation or a change in bowel habit.

Question 2

How long must symptoms be present for to diagnose IBS?

Answer 2

6 months

Question 3

What things are associated with IBS?

Answer 3

Stress, emotional stimuli, abuse, trauma

Question 4

What may patient complain of in IBS?

Answer 4

Pain and cramping
Gas and Bloating
Diarrhoea or Constipation
Food Intolerance
Fatigue and Difficulty sleeping

Question 5

What and how do you rule out other causes of IBS symptoms?

Answer 5

Blood test for coeliacs (transglutamanase)

Stool sample to rule out IBD (looking for high calprotectin and lactoferrin)

Question 6

Are there any complications to IBS?

Answer 6

No- it can have a big impact on a patients life though

Question 7

Treatment options for IBS?

Answer 7

Refer to dietician 
Smooth muscle relaxants for pain
Anti-diarrhoeal drugs (Loperamide)
5-HT4 agonists for constipation
Psychotherapy or CBT
Tricyclic Anti-depressants (helps bowel symptoms)

Question 8

Incidence of IBS is greater if

Answer 8

if you are young, female, have a family history or have a mental health problem.

Question 9

3 types of IBS?

Answer 9

Constipation dominant (IBS-C), diarrhoea dominant (IBS-D) or mixed (IBS-M)