Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – a Family Physician’s Perspective

Abstract

IBS is one of the commonest diagnoses made in OPD practice of a GI physician. Even primary care physicians encounter such patients very frequently in their day to day practice. Abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habit is a characteristic feature of this disorder. IBS is a clinical diagnosis, and many diagnostic criteria are available. IBS is sub-grouped as diarrhoea predominant, constipation predominant and mixed type. The exact cause of IBS is not certain. However, many factors including genetic predisposition to psychological stress is implicated. Most investigations ordered in IBS patients are to rule out other serious underlying diseases, and in majority of the cases, they are superfluous. The treatment options available are mainly symptomatic, and that’s why tailor-made therapy is required in each patient. There are numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological options, which give significant benefit to the patients of IBS in symptom relief if used judiciously. Disease modifying therapy for IBS is not available currently, so the “cure” for the disease is not feasible with current medications.