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Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents01:17

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome01:23

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...

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Updated: May 31, 2026

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
08:49

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Published on: October 29, 2014

Narcotic bowel syndrome.

Casey A Grover1, Erik D Wiele, Reb J Close

  • 1Stanford University/Kaiser Permanente Emergency Medicine Residency, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 2, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Narcotic bowel syndrome is a condition causing abdominal pain in patients using escalating doses of narcotic pain medication. Increased awareness among emergency physicians is crucial for timely referral and effective pain management.

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Cecal Ligation Puncture Procedure
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Last Updated: May 31, 2026

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
08:49

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Published on: October 29, 2014

Cecal Ligation Puncture Procedure
11:53

Cecal Ligation Puncture Procedure

Published on: May 7, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pain Management
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS) is a condition of chronic or recurrent abdominal pain linked to increasing doses of opioid pain relievers.
  • NBS affects up to 4% of patients on long-term opioid therapy, yet remains underrecognized by many clinicians.

Observation:

  • A case report details the diagnosis of NBS in a 24-year-old female with a history of over one year of emergency department visits for unexplained recurrent abdominal pain.
  • The patient's presentation highlights the diagnostic challenges and prolonged suffering associated with this underdiagnosed condition.

Findings:

  • The case underscores the importance of recognizing NBS in patients presenting with chronic abdominal pain and a history of opioid use.
  • Early identification and referral are key, even if definitive diagnosis occurs outside the emergency department.

Implications:

  • Emergency physicians must be aware of NBS, as patients frequently seek care in the ED for symptom exacerbation.
  • Familiarity with NBS can facilitate appropriate patient referral, leading to definitive diagnosis and management of chronic pain.
  • Raising awareness of NBS among healthcare providers is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization for undiagnosed pain.