Irritable bowel syndrome
Date
2005
Authors
Adam, Birgit
Liebregts, Tobias
Holtmann, Gerald Johannes
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift, 2005; 130(8):399-401
Statement of Responsibility
B. Adam, T. Liebregts, G. Holtmann
Conference Name
Abstract
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are highly prevalent among subjects seeking medical attention at the general practitioner or specialist level. While IBS lacks any disease associated excess mortality, this disorders is relevant to the affected subjects due to the considerable burden with regard to the symptoms and an impaired quality of life. Furthermore, this disease has a substantial impact on society due to the economical consequences. In recent years substantial progress has been achieved regarding our pathophysiological understanding. However, as usual, there has been a substantial delay between the discovery of disease mechanisms and its translation into improved patient care. For diagnosing IBS standardized criteria have been established (i. e. Rome II- or the DGVS-criteria).
Regarding treatment, life style advice such as avoidance of specific nutrients that precipitate or aggravate or the "little psychotherapy" (addressing patients concerns and anxiety regarding the symptoms) are considered essential. However, the overall response rate is disappointing. Evidence-based pharmacological interventions include herbal preparations, spasmolytics, low dose tricyclic antidepressants and 5-HT-3-receptor antagonists and 5-HT-4-receptor agonists.
At present no cure for patients with IBS exists. Thus, all currently available treatments target palliation of symptoms. This, however, may change in the future.
School/Discipline
Health Sciences Faculty Office
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York