Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Question 1

What is irritable bowel disease?

Answer 1

Group of abdominal symptoms for which NO ORGANIC ROOT can be found.

Question 2

What markers would suggest a cause that is not IBS?

Answer 2

Age >40.
History <6mths.
Anorexia.
Weight loss.
Waking at night.
Mouth ulcers.
Raised CRP.
Decreased Hb.
PR bleeding.

Question 3

What investigations should be performed when IBS is suspected?

Answer 3

FBC, CRP, LFTs, coeliac serology, urinalysis.

If necessary: Stool culture, colonoscopy, giardia tests.

Question 4

How is IBS treated?

Answer 4

Try exclusion diets.
Treat constipation by increasing dietary fibre and fybogel.
Treat diarrhoea with loperamide (CI in active colitis) +/- bulking agent.
Abdo pain relieved with anti-spasmodics e.g. meberevine or hyoscine.