title: Irritable bowel syndrome in women: a common health problem.
abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common but complex problem that disproportionately affects women. Nurses are ideally situated to provide accurate information regarding the disorder and to provide symptom management. Currently, the diagnosis is based on the presence of abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits. A multicomponent approach beginning with education and reassurance is more likely to be effective than one focused on a predominant symptoms (eg., constipation) alone. Building a therapeutic relationship with the patient over time will likely enhance the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy. Treatment paradigms that include new drugs that affect more than one symptom of IBS, along with nondrug therapies (eg, relaxation and cognitive behavioral strategies), will likely hold the greatest promise for management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Box 357266, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. heit@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heitkemper
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jarrett
authors.forename: Eleanor Frank
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Bond
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008019:Life Style; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health