Irritable bowel syndrome
Alternative Names
Nervous indigestion; Spastic colon; Intestinal neurosis; Functional colitis; Irritable colon; Mucous colitis; Laxative colitis; IBSSymptoms
- Chronic and frequent diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain
- Chronic and frequent constipation, usually accompanied by pain
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Following meals
- Relieved by bowel movement
- Intermittent
- Abdominal fullness, gas, bloating
- Abdominal distention
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Emotional distress
- Depression
Exams and Tests
Tests usually reveal no problems. Not all patients require endoscopy, especially if symptoms begin early in life and have been stable. However, patients who have irritable bowel symptoms beginning later in life usually require endoscopy.
Younger patients with persistent diarrhea may require endoscopy to look for inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). Irritable bowel syndrome, by contrast, is not an inflammatory condition, but the symptoms may be very similar to those of inflammatory bowel disease.
Patients over age 50 should be screened for colon cancer.
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