Funktionelle Ursachen chronischer Bauchschmerzen - Das Reizdarmsyndrom besser verstehen

Abstract

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain with altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation), usually accompanied by bloating and abdominal distension. The symptoms may persist for several years, often decades. The diagnosis of the syndrome is based on the typical symptom pattern, together with the absence of signs of organic causes (in particular absence of alarm” symptoms). In addition, a focused and rational differential and exclusion diagnostic program is required initially to establish and ascertain the diagnosis. For potential differential diagnoses, it is important to exclude organic diseases as well as chronic intestinal motor disorders. Treatment requires reliable diagnosis including careful exclusion of differential diagnoses for mutual reassurance, together with the development of a plausible disease model comprehensible for the patient. Medical therapy aims to symptomatically treat the dominant complaints and disturbances. Overall, our better understanding of the pathomechanisms of the syndrome over the last years has influenced the rational management of these disturbances as well as stimulated the development of new therapeutic options.