Irritable Bowel Syndrome

About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting a substantial proportion of the global population, with estimates varying widely depending on the diagnostic criteria used. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits. The Rome IV criteria require symptom onset at least 6 months before diagnosis with pain occurring at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months. Subtypes include IBS C constipation predominant, IBS D diarrhea predominant, IBS M mixed, and IBS U unsubtyped. The exact cause is unknown but involves gut brain axis dysfunction, altered gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and possibly altered gut microbiota following infection post infectious IBS. Diagnosis is usually clinical, with red flag symptoms weight loss, rectal bleeding, nocturnal symptoms, family history of colon cancer requiring further investigation. Management includes dietary modifications low FODMAP diet, fiber supplementation, antispasmodics, antidepressants for pain modulation, and psychological therapies CBT, gut directed hypnotherapy.