Irritable Bowel Syndrome

** The following GI disorders commonly present abdominal pain. Seek medical attention if you feel like this information applies to you.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic GI disorder that results when the GI tract is functioning improperly.¹ It can significantly reduce an individual’s quality of life and productivity. The signs/symptoms to be aware of are:

• abdominal pain associated with a change in bowel habit
• constipation or diarrhea
• bloating or distention of the abdomen
• infrequent stools

The characteristic change in bowel habit refers to a fluctuation of habit over time – intervals of normal bowel habit and loose stools alternating with intervals of constipation – or a change in the consistency of stools when pain occurs.²

IBS is a condition with well-defined clinical features. Diagnosis by your healthcare provider is based on the following criteria:

• abdominal pain is associated with a change in bowel habits²
• symptoms occur over a long period and are generally intermittent, and…
• bloating/distention of abdomen is common

These symptoms strongly point toward IBS, but tests can be performed to see if IBS is not the cause of abdominal pain that presents in this way, such as blood and stool lab tests. Typically, if tests are positive for blood in the stool, a fever, or an abnormality in the blood, then that indicates a different GI disorder.¹

IBS affects 7 to 21% of the general population in the United States, and 10 to 15% of people worldwide. In the US as of 2010, hospitalizations resulting from IBS totaled 280,000 and prescriptions for treatment neared 5.9 million. The disorder caused 21 deaths.² An effective treatment option is a prescription medication by the brand name LINZESS. Over-the-counter laxatives may also be used to reduce IBS symptoms of constipation.

LINZESS is used to treat IBS with constipation (IBS-C), relieving abdominal pain that presents with it as well. It is administered in the form of a pill with a hard gelatin coating, typically prescribed at 290 mcg for the treatment of IBS-C.³ It is advised that LINZESS be taken on an empty stomach and only for patients age 18 or above. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think LINZESS may be beneficial for you.

References:

1.  Mayer EA. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(16):1692-1699. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp0801447.

2   Chey W, Kurtlander J, Edwaran S. Irritable Bowel Syndrome A Clinical Review. Research Gate. 2015;313(9):949-952.

3.  Staff F. Linzess (Linaclotide). Formulary. Published December 31, 2012. Accessed November 25, 2016.