Korean J Med.  2011 May;80(5):499-504.

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Lee KJ

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition and its pathophysiology remains to be unestablished. Traditional symptom-based therapies of IBS are directed at the relief of individual IBS symptoms. Combinations of drugs to target bothersome symptoms are suggested as the first-line pharmacologic treatment. Exclusion diets have modest efficacy in improving symptoms in some IBS patients. Dietary fiber, bulking agents, laxatives, antispasmodics and laxatives can be used for the improvement of some individual symptoms including constipation, abdominal pain and diarrhea. 5HT3 receptor antagonists and 5HT4 receptor agonists are effective in relief of global IBS symptoms and individual symptoms such as abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits. A short term course of nonabsorbable antibiotics may be beneficial, particularly in patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Some probiotics, tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may have some benefits in relieving global IBS symptoms. The treatment strategies adequate for Korean patients with IBS are required.

Keyword

Irritable bowel syndrome; Treatment

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
Constipation
Diarrhea
Diet
Dietary Fiber
Humans
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Laxatives
Parasympatholytics
Probiotics
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
Laxatives
Parasympatholytics
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors