The irritable bowel syndrome. A clinical review and ethical considerations.

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is clinically characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, including dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, cramping abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea, and nonspecific symptoms, probably reflecting autonomic nervous system overreactivity. Physiologically, the colonic motor abnormality is characterized by an altered slow-wave rhythm, quantitative differences from normal in the repetitive contraction pattern of the rectosigmoid area, and increased colonic muscle responsiveness to hormones such as cholecystokinin and pentagastrin. The diagnosis of IBS involves practical and ethical considerations as well as the need for decisive reassurance of the patient through judicious examination. Treatment of IBS requires a thoughtful and sensitive approach to the patient, recognition of IBS as an important clinical problem, regularization of bowel function, relief of the abdominal discomfort, and intelligent emotional support.