| Theme |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
| Title |
Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome --General Consideration |
| Author |
Etsuo Hoshino |
Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Daisuke Suzuki |
Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Hideto Motegi |
Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Tohru Ohse |
Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
The elimination of organic diseases is the first step in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Barium enemas are the image examination of choice for this purpose, because they give more information about colorectal abnormalities than total colonoscopies. Reconfirmations to the patient as to the benignant nature of this disorder are important. A good doctor-patient relationship is the mainstay in treating IBS patients. Advice on food and drink is important. IBS patients should be instructed not to eat too much greasy or spicy food, milk or alcohol. Medications should be prescribed according to the type of IBS. These include anticholinergics, prokinetics, antidiarrheal agents, stool softners, and traditional Chinese or Kampo medicines. Selected patients need to take sedatives or tricyclic antidepressants. A small number of intractable patients should be treated by experienced psychiatrists. |