What is the role of fructose intolerance? Fructose is the sweetest of the sugars and therefore is commonly used as a sweetener in soft drinks, chocolate, syrups, and jams. Its intake in Western diets has increased tenfold in the past 15 years. Fructose is also naturally present in many fruits and vegetables, and in honey. …
What alarm features warrant further testing in diagnosing IBS ? Alarm features such as rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, fever, age greater than 50 years, nocturnal awakening from sleep, or a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease may suggest the presence of an organic disease.
When is a colonoscopy necessary in diagnosing IBS? A colonoscopy is routinely recommended only in patients older than 50 years of age as per the colon cancer screening guidelines. A colonoscopy for those younger than 50 years of age may be appropriate in patients with significant diarrhea or refractory symptoms or if other alarm features …
What are the typical symptoms of IBS? The key defining symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort that is associated with alteration in bowel function. The abdominal symptoms are typically located in the lower abdomen, but frequently move throughout the abdomen. These symptoms are often intermittent but can occur continuously. Although the Rome III …
How is IBS diagnosed? IBS can generally be diagnosed based on symptoms without additional testing beyond a careful history, general physical examination, and routine laboratory studies in patients who meet the Rome criteria and who do not have alarm features.
What are the common comorbid conditions associated with IBS? Common comorbid conditions associated with IBS include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea or premenstrual syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, interstitial cystitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and functional dyspepsia. These comorbid conditions typically occur more often in women than in men.
What is the role of stress in IBS? More than half of IBS patients associate the onset of their IBS symptoms with a stressful life event such as a family death, a surgical procedure, unemployment, financial problems, or marital difficulties. Although most people have experienced the effect of anxiety and stress on their GI tract …