Irritable bowel syndrome: a practical approach

Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Jun-Jul;23(3):263-7. doi: 10.1177/0884533608318107.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Motility / physiology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / innervation
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / physiology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome* / epidemiology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome* / etiology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome* / therapy
  • Nortriptyline / therapeutic use
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology*
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
  • Nortriptyline