Therapy for functional gastrointestinal disorders - Irritable bowel syndrome - IBS

Patients suffering from functional gastrointestinal disorders are often seen by their GPs as well as by specialists-gastroenterologists. The

estimated incidence in the population is 15–20 % of adolescents and adults, with a higher prevalence in women. In the case of IBS, the

patients repeatedly complain of changes in the character of the stools and, commonly, no obvious association can be found. A thorough

examination is imperative since one cannot leave out of consideration the fact that a serious organic disease can be detected. The therapy

for these diseases is multicomponent. It includes a nonpharmacological approach (changing dietary and regimen measures) as well as

medication treatment. The cooperation of the patient and the physician is extremely challenging, requiring patient compliance on the

one hand, and physician patience, thoroughness, empathy skills, and cautiousness when prescribing a wide range of medications on the

other hand.

Keywords: irritable bowel syndrome, functional enteral disorders, antidiarrhoics