Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Flashcards
What are the 4 main parts of the colon?
- Ascending colon
- Transverse colon
- Descending colon
- Sigmoid colon
What are the main functions of the large intestine (colon)?
- Complete absorption from small intestines
- Manufactures vitamins, e.g. B/K
- Forms/expels faeces
Who is more prone to having IBS?
- Females
- Young people
- Those with family history
- Mental health
What is IBS classed as?
A functional, relapsing disorder (not a disease)
What are the symptoms of IBS?
- Cramping
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Anorexia
- Flatulence
What is between the longitudinal and circular muscles of the GI walls?
What does it aid in?
The nervous plexus. It aids in the contraction of the colon muscles towards the rectum
What causes IBS in the colon?
- Disrupted muscle movements in the colon = contents not moving correctly.
- Stress
- Allergies
- Sensory/motor disorders
Which part of the colon is mostly affected in IBS?
The descending colon.
Which neurotransmitter is the most common between the enteric nervous system (system between layers of GI walls), & CNS?
Serotonin
What movement is the law of gut based on?
The peristalsis reflex.
What are the different types of IBS?
- Constipation-predominant (IBS-C)
- Diarrhoea-predominant (IBS-D)
- IBS mixed type (IBS-M)
- IBS un-subtyped (IBS-U)
How long should symptoms be present for it to be classed as IBS?
At least 12 weeks.
What are the tests used to diagnose IBS?
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT scan
- Lactose intolerance tests
What red flags should you look out for in an IBS patient?
- Anaemia
- Fever
- Rectal bleeding
- IBD
- > 50 years old
- Weight loss
What dietary modifications can be implemented in a patient with IBS?
- Avoiding trigger foods, e.g. legumes
- Increase fibre intake
- Having a low FODMAP diet (fermentable oligo di mono-saccharides & polyols) - short chained carbs which are poorly absorbed in the SI
