Irritable bowel syndrome

Definition

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. It is not directly caused by immune system dysfunction but has been linked to immune-related factors and gut microbiota imbalances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IBS symptoms often overlap with those of autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
2. While IBS is not an autoimmune disorder, inflammation and immune responses in the gut can exacerbate its symptoms.
3. Gut microbiota alterations play a significant role in the pathophysiology of IBS, affecting both immune function and gut health.
4. Stress and psychological factors can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms due to their impact on the gut-brain axis.
5. Diagnosis of IBS is typically based on symptom criteria (like the Rome IV criteria) after ruling out other conditions.

Review Questions

• How does the gut microbiota influence Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
• What are the main differences between IBS and autoimmune gastrointestinal disorders?
• Why might stress worsen IBS symptoms?

Related terms

Crohn's Disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.

Ulcerative Colitis: A chronic inflammatory condition of the colon with symptoms including abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and urgency to defecate.

Gut-Brain Axis: The bidirectional communication network that links the central nervous system with the enteric nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract.