Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a benign, chronic symptom complex of altered bowel habits and abdominal pain. It is one type of disease of the gastrointestinal system. The aetiology are no organic cause can be found, altered motility occurs in the form of exaggerated gastrolic reflex , altered gastric emptying , increased small bowel contractions and increased small intestinal transit, certain food may precipitate the attack, psychological disturbances like anxiety, tension and excessive worry are all aetiologically significant. The clinical features are 1.It is more common in women in the age group 20-40 years, 2. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom. But pain is referred to left or right iliac fossa or hypogastrium, 3.Pain often provoked by food and relieved by defecation,4.mucus may or may not be present .Primary investigations are to exclude organic bowel diseases, exclude lactase deficiency , hyperthyroidism and alcohol abuse. Other investigations are sigmoidoscopy, barium enema etc. To overcome this disease following treatment should be followed such as reassurance of the patient and explanation for the syndrome, patients should prefer loperamide 2-4mg up to 4 times a day, cholestyramine a bile acid sequestrating agent, is a second line agent and addition of a fiber supplementation.