IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

IBS - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBS is characterized by abdominal pain associated with a change in bowel function and is relieved by defecation. The pain relates more to low pain threshold than to abnormalities in motility.

IBS and Stress
Sensitivity to pain and associated symptoms increase with stress. Chronic gastrointestinal inflammation in post-inflammatory IBS can be prolonged by emotional stress.

IBS vs. GI Motility Disorder
30% of IBS patients have generalized motility disorder that includes small bowel and gastric motor dysfunction.

Psychology and IBS
Psychological treatments (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis and relaxation) can lead to sustained improvement in IBS symptoms.

The Latest on Lotronex
The government is allowing Lotronex, a once-popular drug for irritable bowel syndrome, back on the market, but with new restrictions aimed at mitigating side effects blamed for killing seven people. Lotronex may be prescribed only by certain doctors enrolled in a special program, and given only to the sickest patients -- fewer than five percent of sufferers -- who have failed other therapies.

Women and IBS
More than 2/3 of IBS sufferers are women and symptoms often worsen during menstruation.