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Fresh perspectives in chronic constipation and other functional bowel disorders
Brooks D Cash1, Eugene Chang, Nicholas J Talley
1Gastroenterology Division and Colon Health Initiative, National Naval Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Reviews in Gastroenterological Disorders
|October 12, 2007
Summary
Functional bowel disorders (FBDs), including chronic constipation and IBS-C, are increasingly diagnosable. While current treatments are limited, ongoing research offers hope for better management of these common conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Neurogastroenterology
- Functional Bowel Disorders (FBDs) Research
- Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutics
Background:
- Functional bowel disorders (FBDs) like chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome-constipation predominant (IBS-C) present overlapping symptoms.
- The Rome III criteria facilitate straightforward diagnosis of FBDs when alarm features are absent.
- Empirical treatment is the standard approach, with diagnostic testing reserved for cases with alarm symptoms.
Observation:
- Current therapeutic options for chronic constipation and IBS-C are notably limited.
- Lubiprostone and restricted tegaserod are among the few treatments indicated for chronic constipation.
- Existing therapies often cater to occasional symptoms rather than chronic conditions.
Findings:
- Advances in diagnostic criteria simplify the identification of FBDs.
- The therapeutic landscape for FBDs, particularly chronic constipation and IBS-C, remains restricted.
- Research into novel treatments for FBDs is actively progressing.
Implications:
- Improved diagnostic criteria enhance the potential for timely and accurate FBD diagnosis.
- The limited treatment options highlight a significant unmet need in managing chronic constipation and IBS-C.
- Ongoing research suggests a promising future for more effective FBD therapies and improved patient outcomes.
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