Description
A. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also known as spastic colon, is a group of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with lower bowel that occurs in the absence of organic disease. It is a chronic gastrointestinal and functional bowel disorder characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits.
CAUSES
The exact cause of IBS is unknown. The suggested causes of IBS are as follows.
• Disruption of the brain-gut axis
• Overgrowth of bacteria in small intestine
• Genetic defects in innate immunity and epithelial homeostasis
• Dysbiosis i.e alterations of gut microbiota
IBS may also be caused due to
• Stress
• Post gastroenteritis infections
• Diarrhea …show more content…
Tab. Drotavarine 40-80 mg 3 times a day
3. Tab. Propanthaline hydrochloride 15 mg 3 times a day
In individuals complaining of symptoms suggestive of depression Tab. Amitriptyline 25 mg at bedtime or 2 times a day. In case of severe diarrhea, if symptoms are not controlled by above drugs, give Tab. /Cap. Loperamide hydrochloride 2-4 mg daily for several days/weeks depending upon the clinical response. This should be considered only as a temporary management. The final goal of treatment is the gradual withdrawal of medication with substitution of a high-fiber diet.
Management
1. Explain the chronic nature of symptoms.
2. The patient should try to find out the correlation of symptom with a certain food item, especially milk ingestion and should avoid these.
3. Stressful situation also worsens symptom. Relaxing exercises like yoga may help.
References
1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: Medicine International. Jewell DP, Thillainaygam A. (Eds), Vol. 22, The Medicine Publishing Co. Oxford, UK, 1998; pp 102-104
2. Clinical Approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: Approach to Patient with Chronic GI Disorders, 1999; pp 323-29.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. Fauci, Braunwald, Kasper et al (Eds), 18th Edition, McGraw Hill Company Inc., New York, 2012; pp