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Irritable bowel syndrome: a primer on management
1Marvin M. Schuster Center for Digestive and Motility Disorders, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Reviews in Gastroenterological Disorders
|September 23, 2003
Summary
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves early diagnosis and a multifactorial approach. This review covers common medications and new serotonin-targeting agents for IBS symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder.
- IBS is defined by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea).
- Effective IBS management necessitates early diagnosis and a collaborative patient-physician approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence-based medications for individual IBS symptoms.
- To describe novel agents targeting the serotonin system for global IBS symptom management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacotherapy for IBS.
- Examination of new agents affecting the serotonin system.
Main Results:
- Commonly prescribed medications for specific IBS symptoms are detailed.
- Emerging treatments influencing the serotonin system are presented.
Conclusions:
- A multifactorial treatment strategy, including pharmacotherapy, is crucial for IBS.
- Newer agents offer potential for comprehensive IBS symptom control.