Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

🚨 Symptoms

Abdominal pain/cramping relieved by defecation, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, mucus in stool, urgency

🔍 Causes

Unknown; triggers: stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, altered gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, gut-brain axis dysfunction

💊 Treatment

Dietary modifications (low FODMAP, fiber adjustment), stress management, antispasmodics, laxatives or anti-diarrheals, probiotics, antidepressants for pain

📝 Nursing Care

Educate on trigger identification, stress reduction techniques, dietary changes; provide emotional support; monitor for red flag symptoms

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.