Introduction Irritable Bowel Syndrome Research Articles

Stress reduction and psychological therapy for IBS: a scoping review

IntroductionIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disease that is commonly associated with psychological comorbidities and maladaptive thought patterns. Previous studies report psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and gut-directed therapy (GDP) improve IBS symptom management and quality of life. This review seeks to understand the effectiveness of various psychotherapies across delivery methods for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.MethodsA scoping literature review of PubMed articles highlighting psychological and stress reduction treatments for IBS was conducted. 120 studies were included in the title and abstract screening. 32 studies were selected for full text review. Primary and secondary research studies that investigated the benefit of psychological therapies focusing on stress reduction and cognitive therapies for patients with gastrointestinal condition’s symptom relief met inclusion criteria for the review. 12 studies were selected for inclusion.ResultsAll 12 reviewed studies reported statistically significant improvements in IBS symptoms with psychological therapies. 8 studies also addressed quality of life and reported statistically significant improvement in intervention groups. 3 studies demonstrated persistent improvement after 12 months. 2 studies compared different types of psychotherapies and reported improvements compared to control groups but no significant differences between psychotherapies. 6 studies that compared face to face therapy with minimal contact or telephone therapy showed no difference in clinical outcomes.DiscussionPsychological therapies demonstrate reported statistically significant improvements in IBS symptoms and patient quality of life with no reported statistically significant difference across forms of healthcare delivery. Most improvements reportedly persist long-term. Further research with a broader demographic base is needed to assess the economic costs of psychological therapies and their implications for underserved communities.

The role of Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 in treating IBS-diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition. Some studies have shown the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 has been marketed as a dietary ingredient, but to date, its efficacy in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) condition has not been clinically elucidated. Thus, a double-blind placebo-controlled multi-centered trial was planned to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 in diarrhea-predominant IBS patients. Study participants (n = 50) diagnosed with IBS prominent symptoms that include abdominal pain and other GI-related symptoms were treated with ProBC Plus (2 billion CFU) along with a placebo capsule once daily for approximately 8 weeks. Study participants were evaluated for the treatment success determined by the differences in stool consistency and frequency per day between the intervention and placebo groups over the study period. The vital signs and the biochemistry parameters were under the normal range; the other parameters showed a significant result as compared to the placebo during the study period. This study depicts a significant decline in the clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and frequency of the stool as compared to the placebo. All the parameters such as hematology, lipid profile, and vital signs were in the normal range during the supplementation of ProBC Plus for a period of 8 weeks. Furthermore, the study verified that Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 and its probiotic product ProBC Plus at a dose of 2 billion/CFU/day has a prominent action in the relief from the clinical symptoms of IBS-D. Therefore, the product is intended safe to utilize for IBS-related symptoms.Clinical trial registration: The clinical study has been registered with CTRI/2023/01/048644 with https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=77708&EncHid=24313.96864&userName=CTRI/2023/01/048644 [CTRI/2023/01/048644].

Red Cell Distribution Width, Mean Platelet Volume, and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistent abdominal pain and variable bowel patterns, impacting individuals' quality of life. Despite its functional nature, recent research has indicated the role of inflammatory processes in IBS development. This study aims to investigate the potential diagnostic value of routine blood parameters and their relationship with IBS. Methods In this retrospective analysis, patients diagnosed with IBS based on the ROME IV criteria were identified from the outpatient clinic of Hitit University Erol Olçok Teaching and Research Hospital between January 1, 2023, and May 1, 2023. Exclusion criteria encompassed specific medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, and organic bowel pathologies. A cohort of 100 IBS patients and 100 healthy controls were included for comparison. Comprehensive blood data, including neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin level, red cell distribution width (RDW), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet count, were collected. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS for Windows version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics, Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test were used to analyze data. Results The study cohort consisted of 70 men (35%) and 130 women (65%). The average age was 51.65 ± 14.64 years (52 years). The mean neutrophil count was 4.6 ± 1.5 (4.29) in the control group and 4.7 ± 2.03 (4.12) in the IBS group. The mean lymphocyte count was 2.3 ± 0.86 (2.21) in the control group and 2.3 ± 0.82 (2.23) in the IBS group, indicating no statistically significant difference (p = 0.732). The mean RDW was measured as 13.62 ± 1.07 (13.4) in the control group and 13.68 ± 1.18 (13.55) in the IBS group, again demonstrating no significant difference (p = 0.915). Mean MCV and MPV values showed no substantial variation between the control and IBS groups (p = 0.649 and p = 0.406, respectively). Conclusion While this study did not yield statistically robust outcomes, it underscores the potential of utilizing neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), RDW, and MPV as adjunctive diagnostic markers for IBS. These routine and cost-effective parameters could enhance the diagnostic process, especially in cases with suspected IBS. Continued research is essential to unravel their complete diagnostic potential and clinical applicability.

Involvement of acid sensing ion channel (ASIC)-3 in an acute urinary bladder-colon cross sensitization model in rodent.

Irritable bowel syndrome and bladder pain syndrome are both characterized by pain in response to organ distension. Epidemiologic studies showed that these two syndromes are often overlapped. Such overlap may be due to sharing of common extrinsic innervations between the colorectum and the urinary bladder, where cross-sensitization of the urinary bladder and the colon would occur in response to mechanical distension of either organ. The aim of this project was to develop and characterize a rodent model of urinary bladder-colon sensitization and to assess the role of the acid sensing ion channel (ASIC)-3. Double retrograde labelling was performed to identify extrinsic primary afferent neurons innervating both the colon (Fluororuby) and urinary bladder (Fluorogold) in the L6-S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in Sprague Dawley rats. The phenotype of the colon/urinary bladder co-innervating primary afferent neurons was assessed using immunohistochemistry directed against ASIC-3. Cross-organ sensitization was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by using an echography-guided intravesical administration of acetic acid (0.75%) under brief isoflurane anesthesia. Colonic sensitivity was assessed in conscious rats by measuring abdominal contraction during isobaric colorectal distension (CRD). Measurement of urinary bladder and colonic paracellular permeabilities and tissue myeloperoxidase assay were performed. The involvement of ASIC-3 was assessed by use of S1 intrathecal administration of the ASIC-3 blocker, APETx2 (2.2 µM). Immunohistochemistry showed that 73.1% of extrinsic primary afferent neurons co-innervating the colon and the urinary bladder express ASIC-3. By contrast, extrinsic primary afferent neurons innervating the colon only or the urinary bladder only were positive for ASIC-3 in 39.3% and 42.6%, respectively. Echography-guided intravesical administration of acetic acid resulted in colonic hypersensitivity to colorectal distension. This effect started 1 h post-injection and lasted up to 24 h, and was not longer seen after 3 days after injection. No colonic hyperpermeability and no difference in urinary bladder and colon MPO activity was observed between control and acetic acid-treated rats. Colonic sensitization by intravesical acetic acid administration was prevented by S1 intrathecal administration of APETx2. We developed an acute pelvic cross-organ sensitization model in conscious rat. In this model, cross-organ sensitization is likely to involve S1-L6 extrinsic primary afferents co-innervating the colon and urinary bladder through an ASIC-3 pathway.

The role of mind body interventions in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia share similar pathophysiologic mechanisms including sensitization of peripheral and central pain pathways, autonomic dysfunction and are often co-diagnosed. Co-diagnosed patients experience increased symptom severity, mental health comorbidities, and decreased quality of life. The role of mind-body interventions, which have significant effects on central pain syndromes and autonomic dysregulation, have not been well-described in co-diagnosed patients. The aim of this state-of-the art narrative review is to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia, and to evaluate the current evidence and mechanism of action of mind-body therapies in these two conditions. The PubMed database was searched without date restrictions for articles published in English using the following keywords: fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, mind-body interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, and yoga. Mind-body interventions resulted in improved patient-reported outcomes, and are effective for irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia individually. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy and yoga trials showed decreased symptom severity, improved mental health, sleep and quality of life for both conditions individually, while yoga trials demonstrated similar benefits with improvements in both physical outcomes (gastrointestinal symptoms, pain/tenderness scores, insomnia, and physical functioning), mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal-specific anxiety, and catastrophizing), and quality of life, possibly due to alterations in autonomic activity. Mind-body interventions especially CBT and yoga improve patient-reported outcomes in both irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia individually. However, limited available data in co-diagnosed patients warrant high quality trials to better tailor programs to patient needs.

Impact of Work Hours on the Quality of Life of Adult Employees With Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. There is still debate about the pathophysiology of IBS. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and alternating bowel movements, but the severity differs among the patients, which affects their quality of life. Our main aim in this study is to find the impact of work hours on the quality of life of adult employees with irritable bowel syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered survey including employees over 18 years old in Saudi Arabia. The survey was designed inthree different parts. The first part is demographics and personal information, The second concentrates on IBS using the Rome-IV criteriawhile the third part reviewed the participant's quality of life by utilizing the quality-of-life scale (QOLS). Results The total number of participants was 1800; most of the population were females (954; 53%)and there were 846 (47%) males. The study showed that 27.11%were diagnosed with IBS. Furthermore, the result revealed significant differences between working hours, with employees who work more than nine hours (33.7%) being more affected by IBS than others. Nevertheless, significant independent risk factors for IBS were QOLS (OR = 0.988; 95% CI (0.981, 0.995), p = .001), being an employee in free business (OR = 1.755; 95% CI (1.134, 2.714) p = .012), working between 6 and 9 hours (OR = 0.623; 95% CI (0.404, 0.961), p = .032). Conclusion The impact of work hours onadult employees with IBS in Saudi Arabia has been noticed; the results showed that the prevalence of IBS among females is higher; employees working more than nine hours with a medium to sedentary work nature are more vulnerable to developing IBS. We suggest that IBS patients should address their needs to their employers.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The role of the Psychiatry

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, affecting about 20% of people worldwide. This complex and multifaceted disorder has been proposed as a system disease involving not only individual systems including the nervous, endocrine, imune, digestive, microbiota and the environment but also the interactions of these systems. The aetiology of IBS is complex and incompletely understood and this disease are frequently associated with a comorbid psychiatric disease. Current treatment is symptom-directed, rather than based on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.ObjectivesThe authors elaborate a narrative literature review to identify the pathophysiology and therapeutic approach of IBS.MethodsPubmed databased searched using the therms “psychiatry”, “irritable bowel syndrome” and “treatment”.ResultsThe IBS is the most common and best described of the functional bowel disorders, which represents a considerable therapeutic challenge. Studies looked at the efficacy of fibre, antispasmodics and peppermint oil in the treatment of IBS found moderately effectiveness in the treatment of global symptoms. Elimination diets are helpful in improving IBS. There is evidence that a low-FODMAP diet can have a favorable impact on IBS symptoms, especially abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea with improved irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and quality of life. Among the currently available classes of drugs for the treatment of IBS, antidepressants such as selective serotonin releasing inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants are useful because of their analgesic properties, independent of their mood-improving effects.ConclusionsEvidence suggest that antidepressants might be useful for treatment symptom of IBS however further investigation is required.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Acceptability and efficacy of the Zemedy app versus a relaxation training and meditation app for IBS: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has high rates of psychiatric comorbidity, and impairs health-related quality of life (HRQL). Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for IBS, but access to treatment...

Association Between Psychological Disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an idiopathic, functional and chronic relapsing disorder. Physiological and psychological variables have been linked with etiology of IBS. In this study, we will determine the prevalence of IBS in local setting and its association with anxiety and depression.Materials and methodsThis cross-section study was conducted in multiple cities of Pakistan. One thousand and seven hundred and sixty (1,760) participants from general population between the age group 18 to 50 were enrolled in the study after informed consent. Diagnosis of IBS was made by assessing participants via ROME III criteria. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was used to determine if the participants had anxiety and depression.ResultsIBS was present in 456 (25.9%) participants. IBS was significantly more prevalent in females compared to males. Anxiety was significantly more common in participants with IBS compared to participants without IBS (53.0% vs. 23.0%; p-value < 0.00001). Similarly, depression was significantly more common in participants with IBS (50.6% vs. 21.5%; p-value < 0.00001).ConclusionIBS is very common in Pakistan, but rarely diagnosed. It is important anyone, particularly at young age, presenting with diarrhea or constipation should be evaluated for IBS. Simultaneously, patients diagnosed with IBS should be screened for anxiety and depression, and managed accordingly.

Irritable bowel syndrome frequency and related factors in hemodialysis patients

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disease that is common in society, does not threaten life, impairs quality of life, and causes serious economic losses. Gastrointestinal system complaints and especially IBS are common in patients with chronic kidney disease. It has also been shown that psychiatric diseases are more common in patients with IBS. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of IBS in hemodialysis patients and to investigate the factors associated with IBS. In this cross-sectional study, the questionnaire prepared to evaluate depression, anxiety, and abdominal pain was administered face-to-face to 686 patients by the same researcher in seven dialysis centers; 404 patients without exclusion criteria were included in the study. The diagnosis of IBS was made according to Rome IV criteria. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors that are significantly related to IBS. In 69 (17.1%) of the patients included in the study, symptoms were consistent with IBS. Binominal logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of age, dialysis duration, diabetes, proton pump inhibitor, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium acetate use, Hamilton depression and anxiety scores associated with IBS in the presence of IBS of the participants. The logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ2 (3) = 69.748, P < 0.001. Independent risk factors for IBS in hemodialysis patients were determined as anxiety, long-term dialysis treatment, and using calcium acetate as a phosphorus binder. In hemodialysis patients, IBS occurs approximately twice as often as in a healthy population. Independent risk factors for IBS in hemodialysis patients are anxiety, long-term dialysis treatment, and using calcium acetate as a phosphorus binder.

Association Between Cannabis Use and Healthcare Utilization in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequent cause of abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, which is associated with significant healthcare utilization. The effects of the active compound of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on gut motility and tone have been studied in several experimental models. It is unknown whether these effects correlate with improved healthcare utilization among cannabis users. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of cannabis use on inpatient length of stay and resource utilization for patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of IBS.MethodsData were extracted from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2010 to 2014 for all patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of IBS. Cannabis users (n=246) and non-users (n=9147) were directly compared for various clinical outcomes.ResultsCannabis users were less likely to have the following: upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (17.9% vs. 26.1%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.51 [0.36 to 0.73]; p<0.001) and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (21.1% vs. 28.7%; aOR: 0.54 [0.39 to 0.75]; p<0.001). Additionally, cannabis users had shorter length of stay (2.8 days vs. 3.6 days; p=0.004) and less total charges (US$20,388 vs. US$23,624). There was no difference in the frequency of CT abdomen performed.ConclusionsCannabis use may decrease inpatient healthcare utilization in IBS patients. These effects could possibly be through the effect of cannabis on the endocannabinoid system.

Tenapanor for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation

ABSTRACT Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation is associated with higher rates of functional impairment, as compared to other subtypes of the syndrome. Conventional laxative-based pharmacologic therapy of IBS-C, which is mostly symptom-based, is often unsatisfactory. Tenapanor represents a first-in-class orally available inhibitor of NHE3, which is minimally absorbed in the GI tract, what constitutes a significant therapeutic benefit, as it may act on the drug target. Areas covered Aim of this article is to sum up the evidences about pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of tenapanor, focusing on animal models and in vitro studies, but also discuss clinical trials on tenapanor’s safety and efficacy in view of its important potential role in IBS-C treatment. Expert opinion In the challenging setting of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, tenapanor represents a novel strategy in the pipeline of the therapies of IBS-C. Its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile provides that it is minimally absorbed from the intestinal lumen and that its action is local, but not systemic action, therefore guaranteeing the reduction of drug–drug interactions, toxicity and severe adverse effects. Phase 2b and 3 trials showed an optimal satisfaction of primary and secondary endpoints.

Prevalence and factors associated with irritable bowel syndrome among medical students in a Malaysian private university: a cross sectional study.

Introductionirritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The medical programme is among the most challenging and stressful undergraduate programmes which may predispose to higher rates of IBS. This study sought to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed IBS and the factors associated with IBS among medical students in a Malaysian private university.Methodsa cross sectional study was conducted among the medical students from semester 6 to semester 9 (year 3, year 4 and year 5) of a Malaysian private university. The questionnaire consisted of 2 main sections. Section A was on demographic data and section B consisted of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Rome IV Questionnaire for IBS. Association between the factors gathered and IBS was assessed using the Chi-Square test. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.2 in the univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate analysis model.Resultsnumber of students who responded were 190 (56.3%) were females, 66.3% were Chinese and 37.9% were from semester 9. Twenty-eight (14.7%) students had symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of IBS. Depression was found to be significantly associated with IBS (adjusted OR: 4.749, CI: 1.809-12.470).Conclusionthis study suggests that IBS is common among Malaysian medical students. There was a significant association between IBS and depression

Comparative efficacy and safety of probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 10% to 25% of the adult population. A large number of clinical trials have been conducted to...

How do people with refractory irritable bowel syndrome perceive hypnotherapy: Qualitative study protocol

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition which has significant impact on quality of life and has proven resistant to treatment. Hypnotherapy was recommended in National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the treatment of the refractory form of IBS in 2008. There is a dearth of research into the acceptability of hypnotherapy to people with IBS for their condition. MethodsA qualitative study will be undertaken consisting of semi-structured one-to-one interviews with UK adults who have had a diagnosis of IBS for more than 12 months and continue to experience symptoms despite pharmacological intervention. Recruitment will be via large scale employers and through online IBS support and self-help groups, with snowballing from interviewees. Fifteen to twenty-five interviews will be conducted, both in person and via electronic real-time communications platforms (video calling) such as Skype. Interviews will be analysed using the framework method and will be coded twice. The first time will be inductive open coding for naturally occurring themes and the second will be theory driven deductive coding from a set of codes relating to Max Weber’s antagonistic sources of power, ‘Bureaucracy’ and ‘Charisma’, which will help to identify people’s conceptualisation of hypnosis. ResultsFindings will be disseminated at conferences and through peer-reviewed journals. ConclusionThe study will aid in identifying possible barriers to the use of hypnotherapy in the treatment of IBS, particularly any which relate to the perceptions of hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

American College of Gastroenterology Monograph on Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

INTRODUCTIONIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent of the functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Current estimates are that IBS affects up to 10–12% of adults in North America [1, 2]. Although it can affect all individuals regardless of age, creed, or gender, IBS is more common

Visceral Organ Cross‐Sensitization in a Rodent Model of Early Life Stress

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVEBladder pain syndrome (BPS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) exhibit a high comorbidity, show a female predominance, and patients often report a history of early life stress (ELS). However, whether ELS serves as a risk factor for visceral organ cross‐sensitization remains to be determined. Our previous work suggests that multi‐organ visceral hypersensitivity results from visceral organ crosstalk. In this study, we test the novel hypothesis that ELS induces chronic visceral pain in adults through bladder‐colon crosstalk.METHODSNeonatal female Long Evans rats were exposed to an odor attachment learning model of ELS produced by classical conditioning. On postnatal (PN) days 8 to 12 neonatal female rats (n=27) were separated into: Group 1: odor with an unpaired shock [Unpredictable ELS], Group 2: odor only. In adulthood (PN 90) dilute protamine sulfate (PS) (1mg/ml) was infused into the bladder via intravesical infusion. Colon sensitivity was assessed 24 hr. post PS in freely moving animals as a visceromotor response (VMR) to graded pressures (0–60mmHg) of isobaric colorectal distension and quantified as the number of abdominal contractions over 10 min. Rats receiving no PS infusion served as controls.RESULTSIn adults PS infusion into the bladder significantly increased colonic sensitivity in all groups (VMR at 60mmHg: Odor Only=21.4±1.7 (n=5) vs Odor Only plus PS=36.0±1.8 (n=10) [p&lt;0.0001], Unpredictable ELS=38.7±3.6 (n=6) vs Unpredictable ELS plus PS=52.7±1.7 (n=6) [p&lt;0.0001] abdominal contractions). The crosstalk‐induced increase in colonic hypersensitivity was similar between the odor only and unpredictable ELS groups (ΔVMR at 60mmHg (plus PS – no PS): Odor Only=14.6±1.7 vs Unpredictable ELS=14.0±3.6 [p=0.90]).SUMMARY &amp; CONCLUSIONSOur data revealed that in adulthood intravesical infusion of PS into the bladder in female rats previously exposed to ELS as neonates induces colonic hyperalgesia, however the magnitude of the PS‐induced colonic hyperalgesia did not differ between groups. These findings, in a rodent model, suggest that unpredictable ELS does not augment acute visceral organ cross sensitization in adulthood.Support or Funding InformationIn‐house funding from the Greenwood‐Van Meerveld lab was used to support this project.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Effect of herbal extract granules combined with otilonium bromide on irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS), known as a functional and organic gastrointestinal disorder, is a collection of symptoms that occur together and generally include pain or discomfort in the abdomen and...

Assessment of the effectiveness and safety of ethosuximide in the treatment of abdominal pain related to irritable bowel syndrome – IBSET: protocol of a randomised, parallel, controlled, double-blind and multicentre trial

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterised by the association of abdominal chronic pain with bowel habit disorders in the absence of identifiable organic disease. This is the first reason for...

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The effect of FODMAPs and meditation on pain management

IntroductionIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. IBS can significantly impact quality of life for patients. Similarity in symptoms can be attributed to other diseases, and the varied symptomatic manifestation among patients can cause physicians to have difficulty in providing a differential diagnosis, prolonging suffering. The heterogeneity of the disorder often forces physicians and patients to primarily focus on symptomatic management with pharmaceuticals, which can eventually lead to patient dissatisfaction due to the undesirable side effects sans quality of life improvement. MethodsWe used articles found in PubMed, National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide a review of literature that focuses on two alternative approaches to symptom management, meditation and diet. Evidence suggests these alternative approaches to pain management can be integrated with conventional therapy to attenuate pain in IBS by inhibiting transient receptor potential channels. ResultsWithin the last century, low FODMAP diets, along with relaxation through meditation, are areas that have received increased attention among medical professionals. Evidence suggests that dietary interventions, along with discovery and understanding of transient receptor potentials, have provided new insight into the mechanisms of action that are attributed to nociception in IBS. ConclusionIn this opinion paper, we offer information on evidence-based complementary therapies that have been reported to improve patient satisfaction in the management of pain related to IBS. It would behoove physicians and patients to utilize an integrative approach that includes conventional and proven alternative therapies for IBS treatment.