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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Detailed)

Chronic functional bowel disease presenting with abdominal pain and changes in defecation pattern.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Detailed)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional bowel disease characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits without structural or biochemical disorder. It affects 10-15% of the adult population and is twice as common in women.

According to Rome IV criteria, recurrent abdominal pain at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months must be associated with defecation, change in defecation frequency, or stool form. By stool pattern, it is divided into constipation-predominant (IBS-C), diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), mixed type (IBS-M), and unclassifiable (IBS-U).

Visceral hypersensitivity, bowel motility disorders, brain-gut axis dysfunction, microbiome changes, low-grade inflammation, and psychological factors play roles in pathophysiology. Diagnosis is made clinically with the absence of alarm symptoms (bleeding, weight loss, anemia, pain that wakes from sleep).

Symptoms

Chronic and recurrent abdominal pain
Cramp-like pains relieved by defecation
Bloating and gas
Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating course
Mucous defecation
Sense of incomplete evacuation
Symptoms triggered by foods
Coexistence of depression and anxiety

Risk Factors

Female sex
Young-middle age (20-40)
Stress and psychosocial factors
Depression and anxiety
Post-gastroenteritis (post-infectious IBS)
Family history of IBS
Food intolerances (lactose, FODMAP)
History of antibiotic use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Chronic abdominal pain and bowel irregularities
  • Blood in stool (alarm sign)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Pain or diarrhea that wakes from sleep
  • Family history of colon cancer
  • New-onset symptoms after age 50

Treatment Methods

01
Diet regulation (low FODMAP diet)
02
Fiber-rich diet (soluble fiber) in constipation
03
Antispasmodics (hyoscyamine, mebeverine)
04
Loperamide in diarrhea-predominant form
05
Polyethylene glycol in constipation-predominant form
06
Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants
07
Probiotics and rifaximin
08
Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and stress management

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.