Etiology, diagnostics and treatment possibilities of irritable bowel syndrome: Literature Analysis

Paulina Tekoriutė1, Gabija Bagužytė1, Agnė Čibirkaitė1

1Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder with repetitive abdominal pain and changes in defecation. This disease is considered to be one of the most common health disorders faced by all health professionals. With a prevalence rate of 20% in developed countries, the disease is found to be twice as common in women and much more frequently diagnosed in patients under 50 years of age. Diagnosis of this disease can be difficult as there are no specific tests to diagnose IBS, which is why various conditions can mimic IBS. Until now, the causes of IBS have been unclear, and the potential for effective treatment has been limited. However, recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease have led to a better understanding of the condition and new perspectives for its treatment.

Aim: To select and analyse expert presented causes, diagnostics and recommendations for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Methods: the review of literature was conducted using the „PubMed“ medical database, selecting publications investigating the burden of irritable bowel syndrome. Conclusions: After analysis of the literature main causes, diagnostics and treatments methods of irritable bowel syndrome are presented.

Key words: irritable bowel syndrome, etiology, diagnostics, treatment, diet.