Irritable Bowel Syndrome was found in 5-Minute Clinical Consult which helps you diagnose, treat, and follow up on over 900 medical conditions seen in everyday practice.
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Basics
Description
- A condition characterized by:
- Chronic abdominal pain associated with:
- Alteration in bowel habits AND
- Absence of organic pathology.
- Chronic abdominal pain associated with:
- May be characterized as diarrhea-predominant or constipation-predominant; or may alternate between diarrhea and constipation.
- Synonym(s): Spastic colon; Irritable colon
Epidemiology
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) accounts for up to 50% of GI visits in some practices:
- Second to upper respiratory infection as cause for lost workdays
- Estimated to be ~15% of the population of North America:
- However, only 15% of these patients actually seek medical attention.
- Predominant age: Teens to late 20s:
- If age >50 years, consider other diagnoses.
- Predominant sex: In the US, Female > Male (2:1)
Risk Factors
- Other family members with similar GI disorder
- History of childhood sexual abuse
- Sexual/Domestic abuse in women
- Depression
- Can occur after an infectious colitis (1)
Pregnancy Considerations
No risk to mother or fetus
Genetics
Unknown, but more common in families of IBS patients
General Prevention
See “Diet.”
Etiology
- The etiology is unknown, but patients demonstrate intestinal motility abnormalities with enhanced sensitivity to visceral stimuli.
- The trigger may be luminal or environmental.
Commonly Associated Conditions
- Migraine
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Fibromyalgia
- Dyspareunia
- Depression
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