Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a topic that is as relevant as it is interesting, and one in which we are constantly learning new things - both in medical practice and in nutritional therapy.

Definition

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder characterised by chronic abdominal pain associated with altered digestive transit without any specific organic, metabolic, or biochemical alteration being recognised. It is classified as a functional digestive disorder and significantly affects the patient's quality of life.

Prevalence

The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome worldwide is 11.2%. Find out more about current epidemiological developments here.

Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome is associated with a variety of non-specific symptoms that can vary greatly in severity.

Pathogenesis

A complex interplay of biological, psychosocial and environmental factors involving the gut-brain axis.

Diagnosis

Read here to find out how IBS is diagnosed according to the ROME criteria and what is important in terms of differential diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no standardised treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. This makes it all the more important to be aware of current approaches, including the low FODMAP diet.

Comorbidities

Learn how psychological and extraintestinal comorbidities influence irritable bowel syndrome – and what this means in practice.

Coeliac disease

The autoimmune disease coeliac disease (formerly sprue) is a gluten intolerance with a high number of undiagnosed cases, which can manifest itself with a wide range of symptoms and at any age., e.g. as dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring.