Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Questions & Answers

Updated: Feb 15, 2022
  • Author: Jenifer K Lehrer, MD; Chief Editor: BS Anand, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

How are bowel habits altered in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are the characteristics of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What additional symptoms may accompany altered bowels and abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What symptoms are inconsistent with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and suggest an alternative diagnosis?

What is the Rome IV criteria for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

How are bowel patterns classified by the Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis of irritable bowel (IBS)?

What are the ACG recommendations for diagnostic testing in suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which lab tests can be used to differentiate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from other disorders?

Which history-specific studies are used for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) managed?

Which dietary measures may help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which psychological therapies are effective in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which medications are used for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What terms are synonymous with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) a diagnosis of exclusion?

What is the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the pathophysiology of altered GI motility in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the pathophysiology of visceral hyperalgesia in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the role of psychopathology in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Does inflammation have a role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are risk factors for postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What laparoscopic full-thickness jejunal biopsy findings suggest irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which findings suggest postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the role of bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are possible infection-related causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are the central neurohormonal mechanisms by which irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occurs?

How does irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affect intestinal permeability?

How does bowel bacterial overgrowth affect irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

How do dietary intolerances affect the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the prevalence and incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

How many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) seek medical care?

What are the sexual, ethnic, and racial differences in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) incidence?

In what age group is the onset of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms most common?

What is the prognosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are the benefits of patient education in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Presentation

How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed?

Which altered bowel habits indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

How does abdominal pain present in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which abdominal bloating/distention findings indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

In addition to altered bowels, abdominal pain, and bloating, which symptoms may indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which symptoms are inconsistent with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What physical findings are typical in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the updated Rome IV criteria for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

DDX

How is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) differentiated from organic bowel disease?

What are the differential diagnoses for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Workup

When are lab testing and diagnostic imaging necessary for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the role of blood tests in the evaluation of suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which stool exams are useful in the evaluation of suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the role of hydrogen breath testing in the evaluation of suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Are thyroid function tests used in the evaluation of suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Are erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein measurement used in the evaluation of suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

When are imaging studies considered in the evaluation of suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which dietary studies may be helpful in the evaluation of suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the purpose of anal manometry in the evaluation of suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

When is esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy indicated in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Treatment

What are the treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are the ACG recommendations on the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What information should be given to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Is fiber supplementation beneficial in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Are there water intake recommendations in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What foods should be avoided by patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the relationship between gluten intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which diets reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Is psychological therapy effective for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Are antidepressants effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What is the ACG position on psychological interventions for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Is long-term monitoring required in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Medications

How are medications for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) selected?

Are antispasmodics effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Is loperamide beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

What are the evidence-based recommendations on the use of linaclotide in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Is rifaximin or tegaserod effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Which medications in the drug class IBS Agents are used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Which medications in the drug class Anticholinergics are used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Which medications in the drug class Antidiarrheals are used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Which medications in the drug class Tricyclic Antidepressants are used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Which medications in the drug class Bulk-Forming Laxatives are used in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?