Presence Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Research Articles

Irritable bowel syndrome in young and elderly patients with stable asthma

Background. It has been speculated that asthma and irritable bowel syndrome may share common pathophysiological processes. Aim. To estimate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in young and elderly patients with stable asthma. Patients and methods. Sixty-five young (age < 60 years) and 66 elderly (age ≥ 60 years) stable asthmatics, and 119 age-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. In all participants, presence of irritable bowel syndrome, quality of life and psychological status were evaluated. Results. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in asthmatic group was higher than that in the control group (27.5% versus 16.8%; odds ratio, 1.8 [1.0–3.4]; p = 0.04). The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome was significantly higher in young asthmatics than in age-matched healthy controls (36.9% versus 20.3%; odds ratio, 2.2 [1.0–5.1]; p = 0.04) and than in elderly asthmatics (36.9% versus 18.2%; odds ratio, 0.3 [0.1–0.8]; p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis identified the younger age (odds ratio, 2.1 [1.1–3.8]; p = 0.01), and the presence of asthma (odds ratio, 1.9 [1.0–3.5]; p = 0.03) as independent risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome in all participants after adjusting for gender. We also found impaired quality of life to be associated with the presence of irritable bowel syndrome and asthma in all participants after adjusting for age and gender. Conclusion. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome appears to be significantly higher in young asthmatics, but not in elderly asthmatics, compared to age-matched healthy counterparts. Potential pathogenic mechanisms of higher irritable bowel syndrome prevalence in young asthmatics need to be explained by further studies.

Interrelationship between Asthma and Functional Bowel Disease

Gastrointestinal abnormalities have been reported in subjects with bronchial asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in subjects with bronchial asthma. 380 asthmatic patients were selected for body mass index (BMI), sex, and age, before undergoing both methacholine challenge test (MCHt) and skin prick tests. 195 asthmatic patients (51.3%) were positive to MCHt, while 185 (41.6 %) were negative. We also found that 17 (8.7%) of the 276 patients with positive MCHt, and 22 (11.8%) of the 185 patients with negative MCHt were affected by IBS. Therefore, there was no statistical significance between positive MCHt tests and IBS. The results do not demonstrate an interrelationship between asthma and IBS.

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome according to different diagnostic criteria in a non-selected adult population.

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome shows great variation among epidemiological studies, which may be due to different diagnostic criteria. To assess prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome according to various diagnostic criteria and to study differences in symptom severity, psychopathology, and use of health care resources between subjects fulfilling different diagnostic criteria. A questionnaire was mailed to 5000 randomly selected adults. Presence of irritable bowel syndrome was assessed by four diagnostic criteria: Manning 2 (at least two Manning symptoms), Manning 3 (at least three Manning symptoms), Rome I and Rome II. Response rate was 73%. Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome by Manning 2, Manning 3, Rome I and Rome II criteria was 16.2%, 9.7%, 5.6%, and 5.1% respectively. Of those fulfilling Rome II criteria, 97% fulfilled Manning 2. Severe or very severe abdominal pain was reported by 27-30% of Manning-positive subjects, and 44% of Rome-positives. Prevalence of depression in Manning 2, and Rome II groups was 30.6 and 39.3%. Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome by Rome II criteria is considerably lower than by Manning criteria. Subjects fulfilling Rome criteria form a subgroup of Manning-positive subjects with more severe abdominal symptoms, more psychopathology, and more frequent use of the health care system.

Tolerance of probiotics and prebiotics.

The clinical efficacy of probiotics and prebiotics has been proved in several clinical settings. The authors review their proved or potential side effects. Probiotics as living microorganisms may theoretically be responsible for 4 types of side effects in susceptible individuals: infections, deleterious metabolic activities, excessive immune stimulation, and gene transfer. Very few cases of infection have been observed. These occurred mainly in very sick patients who received probiotic drugs because of severe medical conditions. Prebiotics exert an osmotic effect in the intestinal lumen and are fermented in the colon. They may induce gaseousness and bloating. Abdominal pain and diarrhea only occur with large doses. An increase in gastroesophageal reflux has recently been associated with large daily doses. Tolerance depends on the dose and individual sensitivity factors (probably the presence of irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux), and may be an adaptation to chronic consumption.

A population-based epidemiologic study of irritable bowel syndrome in South China: stratified randomized study by cluster sampling.

The detailed population-based data on irritable bowel syndrome in South China are lacking. To assess the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in South China and its impact on health-related quality of life. A face-to-face interview was carried out in South China to assess the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome. Random clustered sampling of permanent inhabitants aged 18-80 years was carried out under stratification of urban and suburban areas. The impact of irritable bowel syndrome on health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Chinese version of SF-36. A total of 4178 subjects (1907 male and 2271 female) were interviewed. The adjusted prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in South China is 11.50% according to the Manning criteria and 5.67% according to the Rome II criteria. Factors including history of analgesic use such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (odds ratio 3.83), history of food allergies (odds ratio 2.68), psychological distress (odds ratio 2.18), life events (odds ratio 1.89), history of dysentery (odds ratio 1.63) and negative coping style (odds ratio 1.28) were significantly associated with the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (P < 0.05). Irritable bowel syndrome was significantly associated with a decrement in health-related quality of life score. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder in South China and has a negative impact on health-related quality of life.

Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome among university students: The roles of worry, neuroticism, anxiety sensitivity and visceral anxiety

Objective Relationships between presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), chronic worry, neuroticism, anxiety sensitivity and anxiety about visceral sensations were examined among university students. Methods College student participants were administered self-report diagnostic measures of IBS and GAD, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), the Neuroticism subscale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and five additional items designed to measure visceral anxiety. Results The prevalence of IBS and its associated characteristics among students were similar to previous community survey studies, with the exception of lower symptom severity in the university sample. IBS was associated with a higher frequency of GAD and greater worry, neuroticism, anxiety sensitivity and visceral anxiety. Logistic regression analyses further showed that the measure of anxiety specific to visceral sensations was the strongest predictor of IBS diagnostic status. Conclusion While various aspects of anxiety appear related to IBS, specific anxiety about visceral sensations appears to be the most significant factor. Implications of the associations between anxiety-related variables, particularly anxiety about visceral sensations, are discussed.

Is irritable bowel syndrome more likely to be persistent in those with relatives who suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms? A population-based study at three time points.

We tested the hypothesis that subjects with relatives who suffered from abdominal pain or bowel dysfunction would be at an increased risk of more persistent irritable bowel syndrome. A valid, self-report questionnaire was mailed to an age- and gender-stratified random sample of residents, aged 30-64 years, in Olmsted County, MN, USA, on three occasions over a 4-year period. Persistent irritable bowel syndrome was defined as the presence of irritable bowel syndrome on at least two of the three surveys, and fluctuating irritable bowel syndrome was defined as the presence of irritable bowel syndrome on only one of the surveys. Subjects were less likely to have persistent irritable bowel syndrome over the age of 50 years [odds ratio (OR), 0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.09, 0.47]. A positive family history was reported by 23%. A family history of gastrointestinal symptoms was independently associated with persistent irritable bowel syndrome (vs. no irritable bowel syndrome: OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3, 4.9) and fluctuating irritable bowel syndrome (vs. no irritable bowel syndrome: OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3, 4.4). However, subjects reporting a positive family history were not more likely to report persistent vs. fluctuating irritable bowel syndrome (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.5, 2.9). The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2, 4.3) and a history of food sensitivity (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.9, 6.9) were the only other predictors of persistent irritable bowel syndrome. A history of abdominal pain or bowel troubles in first-degree relatives appears to be independently associated with both persistent and fluctuating irritable bowel syndrome.

A population-based epidemiologic study of irritable bowel syndrome in South China: Stratified randomized study by cluster sampling

Summary Background : The detailed population-based data on irritable bowel syndrome in South China are lacking. Aims : To assess the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in South China and its impact on health-related quality of life. Subjects and methods : A face-to-face interview was carried out in South China to assess the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome. Random clustered sampling of permanent inhabitants aged 18–80 years was carried out under stratification of urban and suburban areas. The impact of irritable bowel syndrome on health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Chinese version of SF-36. Results : A total of 4178 subjects (1907 male and 2271 female) were interviewed. The adjusted prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in South China is 11.50% according to the Manning criteria and 5.67% according to the Rome II criteria. Factors including history of analgesic use such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (odds ratio 3.83), history of food allergies (odds ratio 2.68), psychological distress (odds ratio 2.18), life events (odds ratio 1.89), history of dysentery (odds ratio 1.63) and negative coping style (odds ratio 1.28) were significantly associated with the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (P < 0.05). Irritable bowel syndrome was significantly associated with a decrement in health-related quality of life score. Conclusion : Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder in South China and has a negative impact on health-related quality of life.

Is irritable bowel syndrome more common in patients presenting with bacterial gastroenteritis? A community-based, case-control study

Objective Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been reported to follow infectious diarrhea. Food-borne infections affect 76 million people in the United States and 9.4 million in England per year; of these, only a small percentage of patients see their doctor, and even fewer will have stool culture confirmation. We hypothesized that patients who present to their doctor with gastroenteritis and have positive stool samples may be different from the normal population with regard to their pre-existing bowel symptoms. Our aim was to determine if patients with bacterial gastroenteritis were more likely to have prior IBS, functional dyspepsia, or functional diarrhea, compared with a control population. Methods Between January, 2000 and January, 2001, subjects with stool positive bacterial gastroenteritis and control subjects from the same primary care practice were invited to participate. The main outcome measure was the presence of IBS, functional dyspepsia, or functional diarrhea diagnosed using self-report Rome II modular questionnaires. Results A total of 217 people with recent bacterial gastroenteritis and 265 community controls consented to participate in the study. Of these, 89/217 cases and 46/265 controls had one of the functional GI disorders (OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 2.17–5.00). IBS was present in 67 cases (31%) and 26 controls (10%) (OR = 4.1; 95% CI = 2.49–6.72). There was no statistically significant difference in the presence of prior functional dyspepsia or functional diarrhea. Conclusions IBS is more frequent before diagnosis in people with bacterial gastroenteritis presenting to their primary care physician than in community controls. Studies that examine the rate of IBS after bacterial gastroenteritis need to carefully exclude people with prior IBS in a systematic way.

Is irritable bowel syndrome more common in patients presenting with bacterial gastroenteritis? A community-based, case-control study.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been reported to follow infectious diarrhea. Food-borne infections affect 76 million people in the United States and 9.4 million in England per year; of these, only a small percentage of patients see their doctor, and even fewer will have stool culture confirmation. We hypothesized that patients who present to their doctor with gastroenteritis and have positive stool samples may be different from the normal population with regard to their pre-existing bowel symptoms. Our aim was to determine if patients with bacterial gastroenteritis were more likely to have prior IBS, functional dyspepsia, or functional diarrhea, compared with a control population. Between January, 2000 and January, 2001, subjects with stool positive bacterial gastroenteritis and control subjects from the same primary care practice were invited to participate. The main outcome measure was the presence of IBS, functional dyspepsia, or functional diarrhea diagnosed using self-report Rome II modular questionnaires. A total of 217 people with recent bacterial gastroenteritis and 265 community controls consented to participate in the study. Of these, 89/217 cases and 46/265 controls had one of the functional GI disorders (OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 2.17-5.00). IBS was present in 67 cases (31%) and 26 controls (10%) (OR = 4.1; 95% CI = 2.49-6.72). There was no statistically significant difference in the presence of prior functional dyspepsia or functional diarrhea. IBS is more frequent before diagnosis in people with bacterial gastroenteritis presenting to their primary care physician than in community controls. Studies that examine the rate of IBS after bacterial gastroenteritis need to carefully exclude people with prior IBS in a systematic way.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders in unselected patients with non-cardiac chest pain.

Patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) (n = 387) and cardiac chest pain (CCP) (n = 93) were compared with community controls (n = 81), using a symptom questionnaire that assessed the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and oesophageal dysfunction and chest pain characteristics. A significantly (p < 0.05) increased prevalence of symptoms compatible with IBS occurred in NCCP patients when compared with those with CCP and with controls. Dysphagia was more frequent in both those with non-cardiac and cardiac chest pain than in controls; this was not apparent, however, when patients with concomitant IBS were excluded. The presence of oesophageal or gastrointestinal symptoms did not enable discrimination with regard to the chest pain characteristics. We conclude that unselected referred patients with documented NCCP are more likely to have IBS and that the presence of oesophageal symptoms such as dysphagia may merely reflect the spectrum of the 'irritable gut'.

A Simple Score for the Identification of Patients at High Risk of Organic Diseases of the Colon in the Family Doctor Consulting Room

In order to develop a scoring system for selecting patients at high risk of organic diseases of the colon, who would need a colonoscopy or a barium enema, we conducted a study with 14 GPs in the local health care district of Modena. Over one year, 254 consecutive patients who consulted their GP for chronic abdominal pain were asked to answer a guided questionnaire. A checklist of simple parameters suggestive of the presence of organic diseases of the colon was also registered by the GP. For the final diagnosis, the patients underwent either a colonoscopy or a barium enema. Data collected were analysed by means of a stepwise logistic regression analysis to obtain a weighted score for the diagnosis of either irritable bowel syndrome (score less than 0) or organic disease (score greater than 0). Out of the 25 parameters explored, six were significantly more common among patients with organic disease and weighted as positive score (namely ESR greater than 17 mm, first hour, history of blood in the stool, leukocytosis greater than 10,000 cm3, age greater than 45 years, slight fever and presence of neoplastic colonic diseases in first-degree relatives). On the contrary, five parameters were more frequent among patients with irritable bowel syndrome and weighted as negative score (namely visible distension of the abdomen, feeling of distension, presence of irritable bowel syndrome in first degree relatives, flatulence and irregularities of bowel movement). Our scoring system correctly classified 83.5% of the cases, and it was very sensitive (82.4%) for the diagnosis of organic disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)