The Irritable Colon: The Family Physician's Most Common Gastroenterological Dilemma

The irritable colon syndrome presents the family physician with a diagnostic dilemma that tests both diagnostic and physician-patient relationship skills. Although the syndrome is common, it has no pathology, and the pathophysiology does not explain fully its signs and symptoms, which are not distinct, but are similar to those of a number of serious organic conditions. Careful history taking, simple investigations, and the addition of 20g of wheat germ fibre to the patient's daily diet will usually control the symptoms. Regulation or reduction of aggravating factors such as anxiety, depression, dietary intolerance or food allergies, antibiotic use, GI infections, and laxative abuse will also control the symptoms. The family physician who is able to tailor the diagnosis and management of the problem to the individual patient demonstrates the benefits of having an on-going relationship with the patient.