Impact Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Research Articles

Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome upon Female s' Health Related Quality of Life

متلازمة القولون التهيجي هو من الحالات الشائعة الحدوث والمتصفه بالم في البطن مع الاسهال او الامساك. وتشير الاحصائيات ان نسبة حدوث المرض هي 1 من بين 1000 فرد مريض سنويا" ونسبة الاصابة تختلف مابين 4-13% ونسبة انتشار المرض من 6-20% وهذه الحالة المرضية كثيرة الانتشار بين النساء عنه عند الرجال ، وتحدث مابين الاعمار 15 و 65 مسببة" مضاعفات طويلة الامد. ان نسبة 15-20% من الاصابات عند النساء تكون مجهولة السبب ويعتقد البعض ان الاضطرابات الجسمية –النفسية قد تكون سبب في ظهور الحالة المرضية واشارت بعض الدراسات ان النشاطات المناعية في الجسم قد يكون عامل اخر في ظهور الحالة . لتهيج القولون العصبي تأثير كبير على الانسان من خلال استمرارية ظهور الاعراض وبشكل مزمن مما يؤثر ويعيق النشاطات والمهارات اليومية بالاضافة لتاثيرة على الوضع النفسي والعاطفي للفرد، لذا لابد من ايجاد وسائل مساعدة لمعالجة وايقاف هذه العلامات المستمرة ولكي يتكيف المريض مع حالته الصحية دون التاثير على حياته العامة. دراسة وصفية تحليلية بدأ العمل بها مابين 8تموز 2008 ولغاية 29 من تشرين الاول 2009 للتعرف على تاثير تهيج القولون العصبي على نوعية حياة النساء. اجريت الدراسة الحالية في مستشفى امراض الجهاز الهضمي والكبد في بغداد.عينة غرضية اجريت على 100 مريضة مصابة بتهيج القولون العصبي. تكونت أداة الدراسة من جزئين مع صفحة الترحيب بالمشاركين في الدراسة الجزء الاول: المعلومات اليموغرافية للمريض. الجزء الثاني:تم استعمال المقياس العالمي المتضمن 36فقرة الذي يتعلق بقياس نوعية الحياة الصادر من منظمة الصحة العالمية والمتضمن المحاور التالية ( الوضع الصحي، الوظائف الجسمية، الدور الوظيفي، الدور العاطفي، الوظيفة الاجتماعية، الالم الجسمي، الفعاليات، الصحة العقلية، الصحة العامـة). اظهرت نتائج الدراسة ل(100) امراة مصابة بتهيج القولون العصبي ان 30%من النساء هن من الفئات العمرية (28-37) سنة و 54% منهن متزوجات ومستمرة حياتهم الزوجية ومعظم المصابات هن موظفات (61%) وغالبية المصابات هن خريجات جامعيات (42%) واظهرت الدراسة ان نصف العينة من ذوات الدخل العالي ونسبة 47% من المصابات هن من النوع المتناوب بين الامساك والاسهال لتهيج القولون وكان الدور الجسمي والدور العاطفي قد حصل على اقل متوسط حسابي عن المحاور الاخرى لمقياس نوعية الحياة. توصلت الدراسة ان لتهيج القولون العصبي تاثير سلبي على نوعية حياة النساء اللواتي ضمن الفئات العمرية( 28-37) وعلى النساء المطلقات والنساء الموظفات في المؤسسات الحكومية.

S938 Evaluating the Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Clinical Outcomes in Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

S938 Evaluating the Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Clinical Outcomes in Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) on Quality of Life; a Systematic Review

Background: IBS is a prevalent GIT disorder known to affect millions worldwide, causing distressing symptoms like abdominalpain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Understanding the impact of IBS on quality of life is crucial.Objective: To censoriously gauge the existing literature on the effects of irritable bowel syndrome on the health, social life, andacademic performance of affected peopleMethods: We performed a systematic review of relevant literature from different databases like PubMed and Google Scholar onthe impact of irritable bowel syndrome on quality of life. To ensure transparency in this systemic review, we strictly followedPRISMA guidelines.Results: We selected 17 studies after strictly following our inclusion criteria. Every study employed different ways to assess theimpact on the quality of life. Four studies highlighted that a greater degree of work impairment was seen among patients withirritable bowel syndrome. Seven studies highlighted that anxiety and depression were more prevalent. Moreover, IBS seems to bemore prevalent among females and was also associated with GIT-specific anxiety.Conclusion: This systematic review underscores the multifaceted impact of IBS on individuals' quality of life, encompassinghealth-related quality of life, work productivity, daily activities, and mental health. It also suggests a gender-related susceptibilityto IBS, particularly in females. These findings collectively emphasize the need for comprehensive care and support for individualsliving with IBS to improve their overall well-being.

Anxiety-Related Factors Associated With Symptom Severity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

This study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia aims to identify anxiety-related factors associated with symptom severity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The prevalence of IBS in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be 10%-20% among the general population. Therefore, the present study aimed todetermine anxiety-related factors associated with symptom severity in irritable bowel syndrome in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Understanding these factors will provide insights into the overall impact of IBS on patients' quality of life. The study utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive observational design to examine the general population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The sample size of 385 individuals was calculated based on the population size and desired error margin. A convenience sampling technique was employed to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. A validated anonymous self-administered electronic survey was distributed through social media channels. The survey consisted of four sections gathering demographic information, personal risk factors, IBS types with anxiety and risk factors, and a questionnaire to determine the level of anxiety. A pilot study was conducted to improve the survey's clarity. Ethical considerations were followed, and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics and significance tests were performed. A study with 637 participants found a 31.08% prevalence of IBS, which was more common in females. Participants with IBS had a higher rate of chronic disease. There were no significant differences in demographic factors between IBS and non-IBS participants. The duration of IBS diagnosis varied, with the majority of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) sufferers being diagnosed five years prior. Symptom severity differed among IBS types, with those with an unspecified type reporting the highest percentage of severe symptoms. IBS types were also correlated with anxiety levels, with IBS-D sufferers reporting moderate anxiety and those with an unspecified type reporting severe anxiety. A study with 637 participants found the prevalence of IBS to be 31.08%, with higher rates in females. IBS was associated with chronic diseases and higher anxiety levels. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive management of IBS, including psychological interventions and dietary modifications, to improve patients' overall health and quality of life. Further research on genetic and modifiable risk factors is needed.

Natural history and impact of irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease during 12 months of longitudinal follow-up.

Little is known about the natural history and impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms on psychological health and quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to address this in a 12-month longitudinal follow-up study of secondary care patients. We collected demographic, Rome III IBS-type symptom, psychological, and quality of life data, with questionnaires at 3-month intervals, over 12 months of follow-up in patients with IBD in clinical remission at baseline. We assessed the natural history of Rome III IBS-type symptoms over the 12 months of the study and compared psychological and quality of life data between those reporting Rome III IBS-type symptoms at each of the points of follow-up with those not reporting such symptoms. Among 206 patients with IBD in clinical remission at baseline (104 [50.5%] women, mean age 56.9 years [range 18-83 years], 79 [38.3%] Crohn's disease), 33 (16.0%) reported Rome III IBS-type symptoms at baseline and 72 (35.0%) reported Rome III IBS-type symptoms at one or more time points. Among the 33 patients with Rome III IBS-type symptoms at baseline, symptoms resolved in 6 (18.2%) patients, were present throughout in 6 (18.2%) patients, and fluctuated in the remaining 21 (63.6%) patients. Among the 39 patients with new onset of Rome III IBS-type symptoms after baseline, 24 (65.1%) had symptoms at one point in time only, 10 (25.6%) at two points, four (10.3%) at three points, and one (2.6%) at four points. At each point in time, reporting IBS-type symptoms was associated with significantly higher anxiety, depression, or somatoform symptom-reporting scores, and/or lower quality of life scores. In this 12-month follow-up study, one-third of patients with IBD reported presence of Rome III IBS-type symptoms at any point in time. Reporting such symptoms was associated with significant impacts on psychological health and/or quality of life.

Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Healthcare Students' Quality of Life

Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Healthcare Students' Quality of Life

The Socioeconomic Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Analysis of Direct and Indirect Health Care Costs

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with substantial costs to society. Extensive data on direct costs (health care consumption) and indirect costs (health-related productivity loss) are lacking. Hence, we examined the socioeconomic costs of IBS and assessed which patient characteristics are associated with higher costs. Cross-sectional data from 3 Rome-defined Dutch IBS patient cohorts (n= 419) were collected. Bootstrapped mean direct and indirect costs were evaluated per patient with IBS using validated questionnaires (ie, medical cost questionnaire and productivity cost questionnaire, respectively). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with higher costs. Quarterly mean total costs per patient were €2.156 (95% confidence interval (CI), €1793-€2541 [$2444]), consisting of €802 (95% CI, €625-€1010 [$909]) direct costs and €1.354 (95% CI, €1072-€1670 [$1535]) indirect costs. Direct costs consisted primarily of health care professional consultations, with costs related to gastrointestinal clinic visits accounting for 6% and costs related to mental health care visits for 20%. Higher direct costs were significantly associated with older age (P= .007), unemployment (P= .001), IBS subtypes other than constipation (P= .033), lower disease-specific quality of life (P= .027), and more severe depressive symptoms (P= .001). Indirect costs consisted of absenteeism (45%), presenteeism (42%), and productivity loss related to unpaid labor (13%) and were significantly associated with the male sex (P= .014) and more severe depressive symptoms (P= .047). Productivity loss is the main contributor to the socioeconomic burden of IBS. Direct costs were not predominantly related to gastrointestinal care, but rather to mental health care. Awareness of the nature of costs and contributing patient factors should lead to significant socioeconomic benefits for society.

Factors associated with lower disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life in Rome IV irritable bowel syndrome.

Little is known about associations with reduced quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or impact of IBS on quality of life compared with other chronic conditions. We collected demographic, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, healthcare usage, direct healthcare costs, impact on work and activities of daily living data from 752 individuals with Rome IV-defined IBS. We used the irritable bowel syndrome quality of life (IBS-QOL) and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaires to examine characteristics associated with lower quality of life. The mean IBS-QOL among all 752 individuals with Rome IV IBS was 48.4 (SD 22.3) and the mean EQ-5D score was 0.570 (SD 0.283), the latter being comparable to people with stroke, leg ulcers or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lower levels of both disease-specific and generic quality of life were associated with severe IBS symptom scores, abnormal anxiety or depression scores, and higher somatoform symptom-reporting and gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety scores (p < 0.001 for all analyses). Those with lower quality of life had significantly higher healthcare usage and direct healthcare costs and more impairment in work and activities of daily living (p < 0.01 for all analyses). Avoidance of alcohol, lower educational level, abnormal anxiety, depression or somatoform symptom-reporting scores, and impairment in social leisure activities, home management or maintaining close relationships were all independently associated with lower quality of life. IBS has a substantial impact on the quality of life of those affected, and worse than observed in some severe chronic organic conditions.

Natural history and impact of irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease during 6 years of longitudinal follow-up.

The long-term natural history and impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms on outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are uncertain. To assess this in a longitudinal follow-up study of patients in secondary care METHODS: We assessed the natural history of IBS-type symptoms in IBD via Rome III criteria applied at baseline, and 2 and 6 years. We defined longitudinal disease activity as the need for glucocorticosteroids or flare, escalation, hospitalisation or intestinal resection. To assess healthcare utilisation, we recorded the number of outpatient clinic attendances and investigations. We also collected anxiety, depression and somatoform symptom scores and quality of life scores during follow-up. Among 125 individuals with Rome III data at all three time points, only 41 (32.8%) never reported IBS-type symptoms. Fifteen patients (12.0%) had IBS-type symptoms at baseline that resolved, 19 (15.2%) had fluctuating symptoms, 35 (28.0%) had new-onset symptoms, and 15 (12.0%) had persistent symptoms. Among more than 300 patients with IBD activity data, IBS-type symptoms were not associated with an increased likelihood of the need for glucocorticosteroids or flare, escalation, hospitalisation or intestinal resection. However, the mean numbers of outpatient appointments and endoscopic investigations were significantly higher among those with IBS-type symptoms. Anxiety, depression and somatoform symptom scores were significantly higher, and quality of life scores were significantly lower, in those reporting IBS-type symptoms at least once during the study. IBS-type symptoms affected more than two-thirds of patients with IBD during >6 years of follow-up and were associated with increased healthcare utilisation, and worse anxiety, depression, somatoform symptom and quality of life scores, but not adverse disease activity outcomes.

The Prevalence, Humanistic Burden, and Health Care Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among United States Veterans

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in veterans is understudied. This study sought to investigate (1) prevalence of IBS; (2) phenotypic, environmental, and psychosocial factors associated with IBS; and (3) associations of IBS with health-related quality of life and health care use. From June 2018 to April 2020, we invited veterans to complete the Rome IV IBS questionnaire; Short Form-12; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; and questionnaires on general health, antibiotic use, infectious enteritis (IE), and health care use. Among 858 veteran respondents, 244 (28.4%) met Rome IV IBS criteria (47.5% IBS with diarrhea, 16.8% IBS with constipation, 33.6% mixed IBS). IBS was associated with greater anxiety and depression and lower quality of life (all P < .001). Provisional PTSD, IE, and bowel problems after antibiotics were more common in IBS (all P < .001) as were multiple doctor visits (P < .01) and hospitalizations (P= .04). Comparisons across non-IBS and IBS subgroups revealed overall associations of psychological comorbidities (P < .01), multiple doctor visits (P < .01), hospitalizations (P= .03), IE (P < .01), and bowel problems after IE (P= .03) or antibiotics (P < .01) with subgroup. Highest anxiety and depression scores, PTSD, multiple doctor visits, hospitalizations, and bowel problems after IE were observed in IBS with constipation. In adjusted analyses, IBS was associated (all P < .001) with anxiety (odds ratio [OR], 3.47), depression (OR, 2.88), lower quality of life, PTSD (OR, 3.09), IE (OR, 4.44), bowel problems after antibiotics (OR, 1.84), multiple doctor visits (OR, 2.08), and hospitalizations (OR, 1.78). IBS is prevalent among veterans and has a measurable impact on individuals and health care resources. Veterans with IBS may experience significant psychological impairment.

Impact of Rome IV irritable bowel syndrome on work and activities of daily living.

SummaryBackgroundFew studies have demonstrated the impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on work and activities of daily living.MethodsWe collected demographic, gastrointestinal symptom, psychological health and quality of life data from 752 adults with Rome IV‐defined IBS. We used the work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire for irritable bowel syndrome and the work and social adjustment scale to examine the degree of both impairment at work and in activities of daily living, as well as factors associated with these.ResultsOf 467 individuals who were employed, 133 (28.5%) reported absenteeism, 373 (85.6%) presenteeism and 382 (81.8%) overall work impairment. A mean of 1.97 hours of work per week was lost due to IBS. Extrapolating this across the entire UK, we estimate that between 72 and 188 million hours of work are lost per year due to IBS in individuals of working age. Among all 752 participants, 684 (91.0%) reported any activity impairment with 220 (29.3%) reporting impairment in home management, 423 (56.3%) in social leisure activities, 207 (27.5%) in private leisure activities, and 203 (27.0%) in maintaining close relationships. Severe IBS, higher levels of anxiety, depression, somatization and gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety, and lower levels of IBS‐related quality of life were associated with impairment in both work and activities of daily living.ConclusionPatients with IBS experience a substantial impact on their work and activities of daily living because of their IBS. Future studies should assess the impact of medical interventions on the ability to work and participate in social activities.

Direct healthcare costs of Rome IV or Rome III‐defined irritable bowel syndrome in the United Kingdom

SummaryBackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated a substantial economic impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).AimsTo provide contemporaneous estimates of direct healthcare costs of IBS in the United Kingdom.MethodsWe collected demographic, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, quality of life and healthcare usage data from adults with Rome IV or Rome III IBS in the United Kingdom. We calculated the mean annual direct healthcare costs of IBS per person and used contemporaneous IBS prevalence data, together with census data, to estimate annual direct costs of IBS. We also examined predictors of higher costs.ResultsThe mean annual direct cost of IBS per person among 752 individuals with Rome IV IBS was £556.65 (SD £1023.92) and £474.16 (SD £897.86) for 995 individuals with Rome III IBS. We estimate the annual direct healthcare cost of IBS in the United Kingdom is £1.27 billion if the Rome IV criteria are used to define IBS, and £2.07 billion using Rome III. Among individuals with Rome IV IBS, mean annual costs were higher in those with opiate use (£907.90 vs £470.58, p < 0.001), more severe symptoms (p < 0.001 for trend), a shorter duration of IBS (1 year, £1227.14 vs >5 years £501.60, p = 0.002), lower quality of life (p < 0.001 for trend), and higher depression, somatisation and gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety scores (P < 0.001 for trend for all).ConclusionWe estimate annual direct healthcare costs of IBS of between £1.3 and £2 billion in the United Kingdom.

Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on the lifestyle of students.

Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on the lifestyle of students.

The impact of irritable bowel syndrome on health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BackgroundThe objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence and quality of life (QOL) of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with healthy women.MethodsThis was a case-control study of 201 women recruited at an infertility clinic in Iran. The control group were healthy women (n = 100) and the comparison group, women with PCOS (n = 101). Data were collected by clinical Rome III criteria to determine the IBS, Bristol scale for stool consistency and IBS QOL.ResultsThe reporting of IBS symptoms were higher in PCOS (20.7%) than control group (11%) (P = 0.05). The IBS QOL score in the IBS + PCOS group was lower than other groups (IBS+ non PCOS, non IBS + PCOS, non IBS+ non PCOS; scores in food avoidance and worries about health domains were significant (P < 0.01).ConclusionsWe conclude that having PCOS and an increased level of LH/FSH tends to cause IBS symptoms. IBS + PCOS women experience significant impaired quality of life scores particularly in relation to worries about health and food avoidance. These results offer further insights into IBS in PCOS women and their functional status and wellbeing.

Adherence and Effects Derived from FODMAP Diet on Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Real Life Evaluation of a Large Follow-Up Observation.

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome represents one of the most difficult gastroenterological diseases to treat, that usually induces the patients to follow different drug therapies, often not useful in symptom control. In this scenario low FODMAP diet could have positive effects in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, even because this type of diet regimen is characterized by a low gluten amount due to the exclusion of cereals. Methods: We enrolled 120 patients with irritable bowel syndrome, according to the Rome IV criteria, who were referred to Hepatogastroenterology Division of the University of Campania L. Vanvitelli from June to December 2018. They underwent a low FODMAP diet for six weeks, followed by a gradual weekly reintroduction of every category of food for three months. The patients had a follow-up evaluation for six months after the end of food reintroduction period. We measured abdominal pain with subjective numerical scale from 0 to 10. We evaluated other gastrointestinal symptoms with a questionnaire about symptoms of lower digestive tract, evaluating their frequency and intensity. We also evaluated the impact of irritable bowel syndrome on daily life with neurological bowel dysfunction score. Results: We obtained a good patient-adherence to diet and a statistically significant decrease of abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and neurological bowel dysfunction score (p < 0.001) at the end of the diet. These results remained constant in the follow-up period. Conclusions: We recommend the use of a low FODMAP diet regimen in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in order to control the symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Impact of irritable bowel syndrome and body mass index on mental health - A prospective cross sectional study

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common causes of chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea has substantial effect on the physical and mental health (MH) of the patient. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between IBS with chronic diarrhea and body mass index (BMI) and effect of severity of symptoms, body weight on MH of patients with IBS. Study Design: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed on patients having diarrhea predominant IBS during September 2017–August 2019. Methods: Ninety-seven patients suffering from IBS-D as diagnosed on the basis of Rome criteria IV had were studied. The severity of symptoms in IBS-D where evaluated according to the IBS-score of symptom-severity. MH was assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the data. ANOVA was used to analyze demographic data. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze linear correlation between demographics, BMI, and MH. Multiple regression test was used in MH analysis with respect to predictive role of BMI. Impact of confounding factors was tested with respect to the gender, age, family status, educational status, severity of the symptoms, and BMI. Results considered statistically significant if P

Sa1943 – Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Quality of Life and Daily Activities, a Comparison Between Subtypes: Insight from the IBS in America Survey

Sa1943 – Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on Quality of Life and Daily Activities, a Comparison Between Subtypes: Insight from the IBS in America Survey

Longitudinal impact of IBS-type symptoms on disease activity, healthcare utilization, psychological health, and quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease.

The impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms on the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is uncertain. We aimed to address this in a longitudinal study of secondary care patients. Longitudinal disease activity was defined by disease flare, escalation of medical therapy, hospitalization, or intestinal resection. The number of investigations performed and clinics attended determined healthcare utilization. Psychological well-being and quality of life were assessed using validated questionnaires. These outcomes were compared over a minimum period of 2 years between patients reporting IBS-type symptoms and patients with quiescent disease, occult inflammation, and active disease at baseline. In 360 IBD patients, there were no differences in longitudinal disease activity between patients with IBS-type symptoms and patients with quiescent disease or occult inflammation. Disease flare and escalation of medical therapy was more common in patients with active disease than in patients with IBS-type symptoms (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93-5.19 and HR = 3.24; 95% CI 1.98-5.31, respectively). A greater number of investigations were performed in patients with IBS-type symptoms than quiescent disease (P = 0.008), but not compared with patients with occult inflammation or active disease. Anxiety, depression, and somatization scores at follow up were higher, and quality-of-life scores lower, in patients with IBS-type symptoms when compared with patients with quiescent disease, but were similar to patients with active disease. IBS-type symptoms in IBD were associated with increased healthcare utilization, psychological comorbidity, reduced quality of life, but not adverse disease activity outcomes during extended follow-up.

Mo1667 - Understanding Symptom Burden and Attitudes in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: Results from a Patient Survey

Introduction Little is published on the health impact of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D) on patients. We aimed to assess the gastrointestinal and wider health burden of IBS-D, including medications used for symptom relief and perceived care shortfalls. Method A 30 min online survey was completed in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Canada and Australia. Target sample size was 80 patients per country. Screening criteria included: age 18–65 years, being diagnosed with IBS-D by a doctor, having symptoms present within the past 12 months, and currently using prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for IBS-D. The maximum quota was 30% male and 25% of patients who had never seen a gastroenterologist for their IBS. Attitudes to IBS-D and its management were scored using a 7-point scale (Table). Results 513 eligible patients completed the survey; 357 (70%) were female and mean age was 40.9 (range 18–65) years. As well as stomach pain and diarrhoea, 269 (52%) patients had bloating before treatment, 204 (40%) had urgency and 88 (17%) had faecal incontinence. Mean duration of symptoms was 9.8 years. The most troublesome current symptom was urgency in 136 (27%) patients. In the past 3 months, symptoms were intermittent in 390 (76%) patients and continual in 123 (24%). The most common comorbidities were anxiety in 189 (37%) patients, depression in 137 (27%) and migraine in 133 (26%). OTC drugs were used by 372 (73%) patients (214 [42%] OTC only, 158 [31%] OTC + prescription). The most commonly used agents were antidiarrhoeals in 416 (81%) patients and antispasmodics in 300 (58%); notably, 91 (18%) used codeine-based painkillers and 79 (15%) used antidepressants. Antidiarrhoeals were used daily by 63 (12%) patients and 58 (11%) used daily antispasmodics; 178/384 (46%) and 99/217 (46%) were not satisfied with these agents. Patients had mixed attitudes towards their condition (Table: score 6–7): 216 (42%) reported having learned to live with their IBS but 189 (37%) were constantly worried about when their symptoms would return, and 58 (11%) agreed with the statement “When my IBS is bad, I wish I was dead”. A substantial proportion (170; 33%) wanted doctors to listen and support more and 165 (32%) agreed that healthcare professionals do not take IBS seriously. The majority of patients (296; 58%) wanted treatment to significantly improve their quality of life and 237 (46%) were willing to try anything to help manage their IBS. Conclusion We report the substantial impact of IBS-D on quality of life, medication use and the desire for more services in this patient population. There is a distinct opportunity for improved pharmacological and supportive management of IBS-D patients. Disclosure of Interest H. Tornblom Conflict with: Almirall, Allergan and Shire, Conflict with: Shire, Almirall, Probi, Tillotts, A Emmanuel Conflict with: Allergan, Kyowa Kirin, Shionogi, Shire, Takeda, R Goosey Conflict with: Kantar Health, paid consultants to Allergan plc, G Wiseman Conflict with: Allergan plc, S Baker Conflict with: Allergan plc

Irritable bowel syndrome and diet.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract and is one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases. The impact of IBS on the general population is large due to its high prevalence, suboptimal medical treatments and significant economic burden. The pathophysiology of IBS is complex and treatments are often symptom-specific. The most common therapeutic approaches for IBS include education and reassurance, lifestyles (especially nutrition-based interventions), peripherally acting medications (which typically target motility), centrally acting medications (which target visceral hypersensitivity and pain) and psychological interventions (which aim to reduce the effects of stress or symptom-specific anxiety). A beneficial dietary approach might include the following measures: a diet low in fermentable oligo-,di- and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs), limitation or exclusion of gas-producing foods and/or lactose and gluten and fiber supplementation in selected cases. New therapeutic agents, namely nutraceutics, are also an interesting option in the management of IBS patients. This paper will focus on available dietary interventions for IBS and will review the evidence for nutrition-based therapies.