Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) A condition marked by abdominal pain (often relieved by the passage of stool or gas); disturbances of evacuation (constipation, diarrhea, or alternating episodes of both); bloating and abdominal distention; and the passage of mucus in the stools.

Incidence: IBS is the most common digestive disorder in the U.S. and is more common in women than men by 3:1.

Onset: Usually vague and gradual, IBS most often begins to develop in Pts between 20–35 years of age.

Etiology: Unknown.

Clinical Findings: Classic IBS symptoms include abdominal pain, flatus, constipation, and diarrhea.

Nursing Focus
■ Monitor hydration, intake, and output.
■ Encourage Pt to eat small meals at regular intervals.
■ Encourage fluids; goal is eight glasses of water per day.
■ Encourage frequent ambulation.

Patient Teaching
■ Provide Pt and family with literature on IBS.
■ Encourage necessary lifestyle changes to promote stress reduction.
■ Encourage regular exercise, such as walking 30 minutes per day.
■ Suggest Pt get adequate sleep and avoid becoming fatigued.
■ Suggest Pt eat frequent, small meals throughout the day and avoid foods and beverages identified as triggers, such as wheat, barley, rye, chocolate, dairy, caffeine, or alcohol.
■ Explain the actions, dosages, side effects, and adverse reactions of meds.