University of Miami Division of Clinical Pharmacology therapeutic rounds: irritable bowel syndrome-pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common disorder of the bowels that causes significant patient morbidity, work-absenteeism, physician visits, and, frequently, extensive evaluations. The syndrome has been classified as a functional disorder because of the lack of clearly elucidated pathophysiology, although altered visceral sensitivity, intestinal motility, and psychosocial factors all likely play a role. Treatment includes fostering a strong, trusting relationship with the patient, with pharmacotherapy directed at the predominant symptoms. The authors review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this difficult disorder.
Schwartz
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Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
Stollman
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D000328:Adult; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans