Sensation of bloating and visible abdominal distension in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Am J Gastroenterol 2001; 96(12):3341-7AJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Abdominal bloating and distension are common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The postulated pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these symptoms include increased production, retention, or perception of gas or luminal contents. The aims of this study were to prospectively compare the prevalence of, and clinical factors related to, bloating and distension in an IBS patient population.

METHODS

A total of 714 consecutive patients who met Rome I criteria for IBS were prospectively surveyed, and were classified as having bloating alone (B) or bloating and distension (B+D) based on a comprehensive bowel symptom questionnaire. GI, extraintestinal, and psychological symptoms, as well as health-related quality of life measures were also assessed using validated survey instruments.

RESULTS

A total of 542 IBS patients (76%) who reported abdominal bloating were studied. Of these, 132 patients fulfilled criteria for the B group, whereas 410 patients fulfilled criteria for the B+D group. There was a significantly different gender distribution in the B and B+D groups (female:male ratios, 1.4:1 and 2.8:1, respectively p < 0.02). There was also a significantly different bowel habit subgroup distribution, with a greater predominance of constipation in B+D group and of diarrhea in the B group (p < 0.03). Both groups were similar in other clinical parameters, including progressive worsening of symptoms during the day, and relief by passing stool or gas. Both bloating and distension worsened when other abdominal symptoms worsened. Abdominal distension was associated with greater symptom severity and less diurnal variation in symptoms, and was less often perceived as associated with food intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Bloating and visible abdominal distension may arise from two distinct but interrelated physiological processes. Although the sensation of bloating may be related to enhanced sensitivity to visceral afferent stimulation, abdominal distension in more severely affected patients may be related to triggering of a visceromotor reflex affecting the tone of abdominal wall muscles.

Links

  • Publisher Full Text
    • Aggregator Full Text

    Authors+Show Affiliations

    Chang L
    CURE/Digestive Disease Research Center, University of California Los Angeles, Westwood 90024, USA.
    Lee OY
    No affiliation info available
    Naliboff B
    No affiliation info available
    Schmulson M
    No affiliation info available
    Mayer EA
    No affiliation info available

    MeSH

    AbdomenAdultAgedAged, 80 and overCircadian RhythmColonic Diseases, FunctionalFemaleHumansMaleMenstruationMiddle AgedSensationSeverity of Illness Index

    Pub Type(s)

    Journal Article
    Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

    Language

    eng

    PubMed ID

    11774947