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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)--definition and pathophysiology
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Supplement
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by a hypersensitive gut, potentially comparable to asthma. This hyper-reactivity may stem from increased gut permeability and heightened responses in immune and nerve cells.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) presents with variable symptoms and lacks definitive diagnostic markers.
- The influence of psychological factors and the gut's pathophysiology are key areas of investigation in IBS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore individual perceptions of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- To rationalize the diverse clinical features, psychological influences, and absence of biomarkers in IBS.
- To propose a pathophysiological model for IBS symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing knowledge on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Conceptual comparison of IBS pathophysiology to other conditions like asthma.
- Discussion of potential cellular and neural mechanisms underlying gut hyper-reactivity.
Main Results:
- IBS is conceptualized as a condition of gut hypersensitivity and hyper-reactivity to stimuli.
- Recognizable subsets within IBS may exist.
- Mental stress significantly influences IBS presentation and pathophysiology.
Conclusions:
- Gut hyper-reactivity in IBS may involve increased mucosal permeability.
- Enhanced effector cell activity (mast cells, enterochromaffin cells) and intrinsic nerve reflexes contribute to IBS symptoms.
- IBS pathophysiology shares similarities with conditions like asthma, involving heightened systemic reactivity.