Irritable bowel syndrome: a practical approach.

Christian Clark, Mark DeLegge

Journal: Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2008;23(3):263-7

PMID: 18595858

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Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome accounts for approximately 2.7 million physician office visits yearly, although only 10%-30% of affected patients seek treatment. The disease is predominantly found in women 20-50 years of age. The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome is likely multifactorial: environmental factors, genetics, gut flora alterations, nervous system alterations (visceral hypersensitivity and motility abnormalities), and psychosocial stressors are thought to contribute. Treatment options are also quite diverse, including both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities. This article summarizes the proposed pathophysiology of and treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome.

Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.

DOI: 10.1177/0884533608318107

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MeSH Terms: Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors, Adult, Autonomic Nervous System, Combined Modality Therapy, Diagnosis, Differential, Environment, Female, Gastrointestinal Motility, Gastrointestinal Tract, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Humans, Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Nortriptyline, Pituitary-Adrenal System, Prevalence