Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms include recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort that is associated with a change in stool frequency or form. The pain or discomfort may be relieved by defecation.

It is important to determine whether there are any potential precipitating dietary associations such as caffeine, lactose-containing foods, or fructose-containing foods.

Examination of the abdomen is usually unremarkable. There may be mild and poorly localised tenderness in the right lower quadrant and/or left lower quadrant.

The diagnosis is based on the patient's history; there are no specific diagnostic tests. If the patient has worrying symptoms or findings such as anaemia, weight loss, or fever, then these require thorough investigation.

Treatment should be individualised and is dependent on the patient's predominant symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition characterised by abdominal pain associated with bowel dysfunction. The pain is often relieved by defecation and is sometimes accompanied by abdominal bloating. There are no structural abnormalities to explain the pain. IBS occurs in about 15% of the adult population. The aetiology is probably multi-factorial, and evidence suggests motility, inflammatory, genetic, immune, psychological, and dietary components.[1]Drossman DA, Camilleri M, Mayes FA. AGA technical review on irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2002 Dec;123(6):2108-31. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12454866?tool=bestpractice.com