South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde·1986
This study details the clinical presentation of 150 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, highlighting common symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. Diagnosis relied on typical history and basic tests, distinguishing IBS from inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
Gastroenterology
Clinical Medicine
Background:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder.
Understanding the diverse clinical features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
To report the clinical characteristics of 150 consecutive IBS patients.
To identify common symptoms and demographic patterns in a private practice setting.
Main Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 150 consecutive IBS patients referred to a private practice.
Review of patient history, symptoms, and results of basic investigations.
Histological examination of rectal biopsies for differentiation from inflammatory bowel disease.
Main Results:
A female preponderance and wide age range were observed.
Predominant symptoms included diarrhea (61.3%), altered bowel habit, abdominal pain, emotional disturbance, flatulence, and distension.
Frequent associated symptoms were fatigue, weight loss, upper GI issues, backache, and urinary symptoms.
Rectal biopsies showed nonspecific changes in 11.4% but were distinguishable from inflammatory bowel disease.
High rates of non-smokers (78.1%), prior appendectomy (34%), and gynecological operations in women (65%) were noted.
Conclusions:
IBS diagnosis in this cohort was based on typical history and simple investigations.
Extensive investigations were reserved for patients with organic disease markers, revealing few associated lesions.
The findings underscore the importance of a thorough clinical assessment for IBS diagnosis.