Irritable bowel syndrome

• Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder characterized by an abnormally increased motility of the intestines affecting the frequency of defecation and consistency of stool.
• Factors associated with IBS:

  • Heredity
  • psychological stress
  • diet high in fat, stimulating or irritating foods
• Factors associated with IBS:

  • alcohol consumption
  • smoking
• Criteria for Diagnosis:

  • recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 days in a month in the past 3 months, including 2 or more of the following:
  • improvement with defecation
  • onset associated with change in frequency and appearance of stool
• Clinical manifestations:

  • alteration in bowel pattern: diarrhea, constipation or both
  • abdominal pain
  • abdominal distention and bloating
• medical management goal:

  • relieve abdominal pain
  • control diarrhea or constipation
  • reduce stress
• treatment:

  • hydrophilic colloids and antidiarrheal agents
  • antidepressants
  • anticholinergics or antispasmodics [propantheline (Pro-Banthine)] - to decrease smooth muscle spasm
  • probiotics (lactobacillus, bifidobacterium) - to help decrease abdominal bloating and gas
• nursing management:

  • high fiber diet, avoid irritating food/drinks
  • symptom and food diary
  • eat at regular times
  • chew food slowly and thoroughly
• nursing managment:

  • fluids should not be taken with meals to avoid abdominal distention
  • discourage alcohol and cigarette smoking
  • stress management
  • exercise
• treatment:

  • probiotics (lactobacillus, bifidobacterium) - to help decrease abdominal bloating and gas