$Unique_ID{BRK03881}
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$Title{Irritable Bowel Syndrome}
$Subject{Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mucous Colitis Spastic Colon Adaptive
Colitis Irritable Colon Syndrome Unstable Colon Colonic Neurosis IBS }
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Copyright (C) 1986, 1988, 1990 National Organization for Rare Disorders,
Inc.

88:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of the article (Irritable Bowel
Syndrome) is not the name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYM listing to
find alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.

Synonyms

     Mucous Colitis
     Spastic Colon
     Adaptive Colitis
     Irritable Colon Syndrome
     Unstable Colon
     Colonic Neurosis
     IBS

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.


The Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly called Spastic Colon or Mucous
Colitis, is a motility disorder which involves both the small intestine and
the large bowel.  It is characterized by varying degrees of abdominal pain,
constipation, diarrhea, and an apparent reaction to stress in susceptible
individuals.  About fifty percent of all gastrointestinal problems are
represented by this syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome include abdominal distress, erratic
frequency of bowel function, variation in the consistency of stools,
bloating, nausea, headache, fatigue, lassitude and flatulence may result in
disagreeable abdominal sensations.

This disorder is divided into two major clinical types or groups.  The
spastic colon type of the syndrome is characterized by variable bowel
movements.  Most patients experience pain over one or more areas of the colon
which is associated with periodic constipation or diarrhea.  Lower abdominal
pain or discomfort in the area of the sigmoid colon is a complaint of many of
these patients.  The pain may be colicky or a continuous dull ache may be
present.  The symptoms of the spastic colon type of the Irritable Bowel
Syndrome may be exacerbated by ingesting food.  Either constipation or
diarrhea may occur; some patients experience alternate bouts of both.  Common
nonspecific symptoms include fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

Painless diarrhea is another type of the syndrome.  This group of
patients may experience an urgent, precipitous diarrhea immediately upon
arising.  More typically, the diarrhea occurs during or immediately after a
meal.  Fecal incontinence may possibly occur.  Nighttime diarrhea is uncommon.

There does not appear to be evidence of organic disease in patients with
either variant of the this syndrome and they are generally in good physical
health.

Causes

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome has no anatomic cause.  Attacks of the disorder
may coincide with periods of emotional stress and conflicts.  A heightened
sensitivity to increased GI motility may be precipitated or aggravated by
diet, certain drugs, or hormones.

Affected Population

The phenomenon known as the Irritable Bowel Syndrome accounts for
approximately 50% of all gastrointestinal illnesses.  It is especially
prevalent in women between the ages of fifteen and forty-five years.  The
disease affects women about three times more often than men.

Therapies:  Standard

The patient with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome needs to be reassured there is
no organic disease present.  Regular physical activity may help to relieve
anxiety and is also important in assisting bowel function.  Generally a
normal diet can be followed; if flatulence is a problem, food containing
fermentable carbohydrates such as beans and cabbage should be eliminated.
Laxatives should be avoided if possible.  Patients who suffer from spastic
constipation may find the use of unprocessed bran helpful.  Drug therapy may
include the use of anticholinergic agents, mild tranquilizers or sedatives,
and medication to relieve diarrhea.

Studies are being conducted in the use of Sandoglobulin as a treatment
for Irritable Syndrome.  Further investigation is needed to determine it's
safety and effectiveness.

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through March
1990.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.  Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Ulcerative Colitis, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     National Foundation of Ileitis and Colitis, Inc.
     National Headquarters
     295 Madison Ave., Suite 519
     New York, NY  10017
     (212) 685-3440

     National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
     Box NDIC
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 468-2162

References

CECIL TEXTBOOK OF MEDICINE, 18th ed.:  James B. Wyngaarden, and Lloyd H.
Smith, Jr., Eds.:  W. B. Saunders Co., 1988.  Pp. 656-61, 722-3.

THE MERCK MANUAL 15th ed:  R. Berkow, et al:  eds; Merck, Sharp & Dohme
Research Laboratories, 1987.  Pp. 808.