Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder defined by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. The causes are unclear but may involve interactions between the brain, nerves, hormones and immune system. Symptoms vary and include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements such as diarrhea and/or constipation. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and tests are used to rule out other conditions. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms through lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and medications.

1. UNIVERSIDAD TECNICA DE MACHALA
ACADEMIC UNIT OF CHEMICAL
SCIENCES AND HEALTH
MEDICINE SCHOOL
ENGLISH
IRRITABLE BOWEL
SYNDROME
STUDENTS
William Cruz
Kevin Herrera
Jorge Pacheco
Angie Chamba
Sonia Quijilema
TEACHER:
Mgs. Barreto Huilcapi Lina Maribel
CLASS:
EIGHTH SEMESTER ‘’A’’
Machala, El Oro
2018

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Definition
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) represents the paradigm of functional digestive disorders
(PDD) in the field of digestive pathology. No other disease tends to cause greater
discrepancies between the way in which the physician
transmits to the patient the origin of his problem and the real expectations that the patient
had deposited in his doctor. Actually, the perception that the patient has of his ailment is
very different: the patient is almost never interested in knowing what is the cause of his
injury, or if there is an organic or functional disorder, what matters is that their
symptom. Only the one in whom there was a demonstrable cause of his discomfort was
considered as sick.
that the rest were labeled hypochondriacs, "quejicas", psychopaths or somatizers. It is
urgent, therefore, to transmit a new philosophy to the practical physician and adapt the level
of our knowledge to the expectations of our patients.

3. Etiology
The reasons why the SII is presented are not clear. It can present after a bacterial intestinal
infection or by parasites (yardiasis). This is called postinfectious IBS. Likewise, there may
be other triggers, including stress.
The intestine is connected to the brain using hormonal and nervous signals that come and
go between the intestine and the brain. These affect bowel function and symptoms. Nerves
can become more active during times of stress, which can make the intestines more
sensitive and compress or contract more.
This syndrome can occur at any age, but it often begins in adolescence or early adulthood
and is twice as common in women as it is in men.
It is less likely to develop in older adults over 50 years.
Approximately 10% to 15% of people in the United States have IBS symptoms. This
condition is the most common bowel problem that leads to people being referred to a bowel
specialist (gastroenterologist).
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms differ from one person to another and range from mild to severe. Most
people have mild symptoms. It is said that a person has this syndrome when the symptoms
have been present for at least 3 days a month for a period of 3 months or more.
The main symptoms include:
 Abdominal pain
 Gases
 Fullness
 Distension
Changes in bowel habits, may be diarrhea (IBS-D) or constipation (IBS-E)
Pain and other symptoms will often be reduced or disappear after a bowel movement.
Symptoms can get worse if the frequency of your bowel movements changes.
People with this syndrome may alternate between constipation and diarrhea or, for the most
part, have one or another condition.

4. If you have this syndrome with diarrhea, you will have frequent loose and watery stools.
You may experience an urgent need to have a bowel movement, which can be difficult to
control.
If you have this syndrome with constipation, you will have difficulty defecating, as will
less frequent bowel movements. You may need strength with a bowel movement and colic.
Often, only a small amount of fecal matter is removed or nothing is removed.
The symptoms may worsen for a few weeks or a month and then subside for some time. In
other cases, the symptoms are present most of the time.
You may also have loss of appetite if you have this syndrome. However, the presence of
blood in the stool and the involuntary loss of weight are not part of IBS.
Diagnosis
There is no test to diagnose IBS. Most of the time, the health care provider can diagnose
you based on your symptoms. Eating a lactose-free diet for two weeks can help the provider
identify the deficiency of lactase (or lactose intolerance).
The following tests can be done to rule out other problems:
 Blood tests to see if you have celiac disease or a low blood count (anemia).
 Coprocultures to see if there is an infection.
Your provider may recommend a colonoscopy. During this test, a flexible tube is inserted
through the anus to examine the colon. You may need this test if:
 The symptoms started later in life (after the age of 50 years).
 You have symptoms such as weight loss or bloody stools.
 The results of your blood tests are abnormal (for example, a blood count with low
levels).
Other disorders that can cause similar symptoms include:
 Celiac
 Colon cancer (cancer rarely causes typical symptoms of IBS, unless there are also
symptoms such as weight loss, blood in the stool, or abnormal blood tests)
 Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

5. Treatment
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.
Changes in lifestyle may be useful in some cases of irritable bowel syndrome. For example,
regular exercise and improvement in sleep habits can reduce anxiety and help relieve
intestinal symptoms.
Changes in diet can be useful. However, no specific diet can be recommended for this
syndrome because the condition differs from one person to another.
The following changes may help:
 Avoid foods and drinks that stimulate the intestines (such as caffeine, tea or cola
drinks).
 Eat smaller portions.
 Increase fiber in food (this can relieve constipation or diarrhea, but worsens
distension).
Check with your provider before taking over-the-counter medications.
No medication will work for all people. Some that your provider may suggest include:
 Anticholinergic medications (dicyclomine, propantheline, belladonna, and
hyoscyamine) taken approximately half an hour before eating to control spasms of
the bowel muscles
 Bisacodyl to treat constipation
 Loperamide to treat diarrhea
 Low doses of tricyclic antidepressants to help relieve intestinal pain
 Lubiprostone for symptoms of constipation
 Rifaximin, an antibiotic
Psychotherapy or medications for anxiety or depression can help with the problem.
Prevention
 Make small and frequent meals
 Eat at a relaxed pace and at regular times
 Avoid constipation, but increase the fiber content in the diet in a progressive way
 Exercise regularly
 Perform relaxing and social activities

6.  Probiotic foods or preparations can be beneficial (follow your doctor's
recommendations)
 Identify sensitivity to different foods and exclude only those that you can not
tolerate.
 Mark meal times and go to the WC
Bibliography
 Mearin F. Perelló A. Perona M. Quality of life in patients with irritable bowel
syndrome. Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004; 24-31.
 Drossman DA, Camilleri M, Mayer EA, Whitehead WE. AGA technical review on
irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology 2002; 123: 2108-31.
 Manning AP, Thompson WG, Heaton KW et al. Towards a positive diagnosis of the
irritable bowel. BMJ 1978; 2 (6138): 653-4.