Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review for General Pediatricians

Pediatric Annals
|January 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gut disorder impacting quality of life. Current research focuses on understanding its causes and improving management strategies for this chronic condition.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder.
  • IBS significantly impacts patients' quality of life and incurs economic costs.
  • The exact pathophysiology of IBS remains unclear, with varied clinical presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in IBS research.
  • To highlight current understanding of IBS epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations.
  • To discuss the evaluation and management of IBS.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review.
  • Analysis of recent research findings on IBS.
  • Synthesis of information on diagnosis and treatment.

Main Results:

  • IBS diagnosis relies on clinical history and physical examination; no specific lab tests confirm it.
  • Treatment approaches for IBS are diverse, including medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and hypnotherapy.
  • Ongoing research aims to elucidate IBS pathophysiology and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • IBS is a complex condition with significant patient impact.
  • Effective management requires a comprehensive approach.
  • Further research is crucial for advancing IBS understanding and treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
1.0K
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
1.4K
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
965
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
901
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...
855
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
1.0K