Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition characterized by abdominal pain
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating. It is usually chronic and affects a person’s quality of life. There is no known cause of IBS, but the symptoms of this condition can be managed with medication. Symptoms can range from bloating to constipation and diarrhea, and they are commonly associated with depression. 과민성대장증후군
Several risk factors have been reported, with prevalence data varying from 1.1% to 45%. However, some countries report higher prevalence rates, indicating that reporting biases may be involved. In addition, it is difficult to obtain subtype-specific prevalence data.
Moreover, the disease heterogeneity of IBS makes screening of the disease unsuitable. Consequently, patients and clinicians must work together to identify the potential associations between IBS symptoms and thoughts and behaviours.
Several clinical studies have shown an association between IBS and previous gastrointestinal infections. Although the presence of an infection does not make a patient more likely to develop IBS, it does have an effect on the course of the disease.
Studies have also demonstrated an association between the pathophysiology of IBS and stress. Stress is thought to lead to changes in autonomic function and regional brain activation. An underlying hypothesis suggests that early life stressors, such as family illness, parental separation, and child abuse, may lead to the development of IBS. A biopsychosocial model of IBS identifies these relationships.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatment
Brain imaging has been used to identify several brain networks that play a role in the pathophysiology of IBS. These include the salience network, which is an attentional network, and the sensorimotor network. Both of these networks can be modified by the degree of tuned-down or amplified information. Furthermore, the neurobiological substrate of IBS can be identified using these networks. 서초한의원
The IBS pathophysiological model incorporates changes in sensory processing of interoceptive and other information in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as alterations in selective attention to these signals. This may be the cause of overreaction to digestive disturbances, leading to abdominal pain, discomfort or constipation.
The therapeutic armamentarium for IBS
Currently, the therapeutic armamentarium for IBS includes behavioural therapies and medicines. These aim to modify behaviours and the way in which people think about their illness. Patients are taught to reframe their thoughts, beliefs and behaviors to reduce stress and symptoms. For some patients, these strategies are effective.
Although genetic studies in IBS have been conducted, there is no clear evidence of genetic variants associated with the disorder. Some studies suggest that genetic variants may be involved in the development of IBS, but there are few candidate genes that have been investigated. Genetic research in the area of IBS includes genome-wide association studies, twin studies, and candidate gene approaches.
In the United States, the number of cases diagnosed with IBS is about 1.2%. Prevalence data in China and other Asian countries are not available. However, prevalence rates in most European countries are 5 to 10%. Since disease prevalence differs in different countries, screening of the disease is not applicable in most regions.