IBS — Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosis and Definition Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits. These symptoms occur in the absence of "structural or biochemical abnormalities." It is estimated that up to 20% of the population of the United States has symptoms suggestive of IBS. Multiple comorbidities, the high cost of medical utilization, and diminished productivity and quality of life all may be found in association with irritable bowel syndrome. Despite extensive research, there is no specific test that can diagnose this condition. In clinical practice, a diagnosis of IBS is accomplished after performing a careful medical history, including a system assessment using established diagnostic criteria, a complete physical examination, and limited laboratory testing. A flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is often suggested; the choice of these evaluations depends on the age and risk factors of the individual patient. The clinician must carefully assess the patient for any signs and symptoms of organic Read more [...]

(British Approved Name, rINN) Drug Nomenclature INNs in main languages (French, Latin, Russian, and Spanish): BAN: Polycarbophil INN: Polycarbophil [rINN (en)] INN: Policarbofilo [rINN (es)] INN: Polycarbophile [rINN (fr)] INN: Polycarbophilum [rINN (la)] INN: Поликарбофил [rINN (ru)] CAS: 9003-97-8 Read code: y01Ee Pharmacopoeias. In US. The United States Pharmacopeia 31, 2008 (Polycarbophil). It is polyacrylic acid cross-linked with divinyl glycol. White to creamy-white granules, with a characteristic, ester-like odour. Swells in water to a range of volumes, depending primarily on the pH. Insoluble in water, in common organic solvents, and in dilute acids and alkalis. A 1 % mixture in water has a pH of not more than 4.0. Store in airtight containers. Polycarbophil Calcium Drug Approvals (British Approved Name Modified, rINNM) International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) in main languages (French, Latin, and Spanish): Synonyms: AHR-3260B; Policarbofilo cálcico; Polycarbophilum Calcii; Polykarbofiilikalsium; Polykarbofilkalcium; Polykarbophilum Calcicum; Wl-140 BAN: Read more [...]

Constipation is commonly defined as the paucity of bowel movements. However, patients may have constipation regardless of the number of bowel movements in a unit of time. The inability to satisfactorily evacuate one's colon and rectum can be manifested by different degrees of abdominal discomfort associated with "normal" bowel habits, infrequent stools, or even overflow diarrhea. In addition, many other abdominal complaints are related to constipation, including pain syndromes, bloating, fullness, and even heartburn and dyspepsia. It is not unusual for patients referred for constipation to present to the specialist having had at least one (and possibly multiple) full anatomic evaluation(s) of the bowel, including computed tomography (CT) scans, contrast studies, and colonoscopies. The reported results of these studies are usually normal, except for varying degrees of diverticulosis coli. Usually, a careful history suffices to reveal the underlying problem. Issues to be addressed in the history include bowel habits, frequency of bowel movements, ease or difficulty with evacuation, chronicity, Read more [...]

Nonpharmacologic Adult individuals with acute diarrhea who are otherwise healthy are not likely to develop dehydration. Lost fluids and electrolytes can be replaced with virtually any beverage plus a source of sodium chloride (salted crackers, etc.). Patients can rest the bowel by avoiding high-fiber foods, fats, milk and other dairy products, caffeine and alcohol. A bland diet emphasizing such foods as bananas, clear soups, juice, gelatin and boiled vegetables may be helpful. The diet can gradually be returned to normal as tolerated and as stools become formed. For less than severe diarrhea, an oral glucose-electrolyte solution may be given if nausea and vomiting are not severe. Intravenous fluid therapy is necessary for the treatment of severe dehydration or diarrhea that is accompanied by severe vomiting. The degree of dehydration present determines the treatment of a child with diarrhea. Children with diarrhea who are not dehydrated should continue to be fed age-appropriate diets. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is the preferred treatment of fluid and electrolyte losses caused by diarrhea Read more [...]