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Published on: March 12, 2020
[Irritable bowel syndrome: an organic disease]
Jose Augusto Urrego1, Hernando Marulanda2, Juan Sebastián Frías3
1Departamento de gastroenterología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not a psychological disorder but has an organic basis. This review highlights the gut-brain axis interactions and pathophysiological alterations underlying IBS, emphasizing its organic nature.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Gut-Brain Axis Research
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often misconstrued as a functional or psychological disorder.
- This misconception leads to stigmatization and delegitimization of IBS patients.
- Emerging evidence confirms IBS has a complex organic basis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the underlying pathophysiological alterations in IBS.
- To raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the organic nature of IBS.
- To review modern therapeutic approaches in the context of IBS pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on IBS pathophysiology.
- Analysis of the gut-brain axis model in relation to IBS.
- Synthesis of evidence supporting measurable pathophysiological changes in IBS.
Main Results:
- IBS involves genetic predisposition, microbiota changes, visceral hypersensitivity, altered central pain processing, motility disturbances, and impaired gut barrier function.
- These factors interact via the gut-brain axis, creating feedback loops that perpetuate IBS.
- Previous "functional disorder" concepts fail to capture the organic complexity of IBS.
Conclusions:
- IBS is a complex disorder with a demonstrable organic basis, mediated by the gut-brain axis.
- Understanding these organic alterations is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research and awareness are needed to address the limitations of current IBS therapies.
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01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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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...
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:
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01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
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