Irritable Bowel Syndrome

WASHINGTON — Mebeverine was not superior to placebo for the treatment of pediatric irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain, although active drug labeling significantly improved treatment success, researchers reported.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome who tested positive for fructan or fructose malabsorption via hydrogen breath testing had nearly two times higher odds of testing positive for the other carbohydrate, according to study results.

In a Healio video exclusive, Megan Riehl, PsyD, AGAF, and Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN, LDN, discuss their new book, “Mind Your Gut,” a comprehensive guide for treating irritable bowel syndrome from nutritional and behavioral perspectives.

In this Healio video exclusive, Jeffrey Roberts, MS, BSc, shares details about World IBS Day, April 19, which aims to raise awareness and support for patients with irritable bowel syndrome with the theme, “Light Up the Sky for IBS.”

During Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, an advocacy group launched the #IBSDilemma campaign to focus on the unique challenges that individuals living with this common gastrointestinal disorder may encounter in daily life.

In a Healio video exclusive, Edward V. Loftus Jr., MD, urged gastroenterologists to prioritize identifying food triggers and recommending dietary interventions and behavioral therapy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Treating patients with irritable bowel syndrome can be a challenge for health care providers, as patients with suspected IBS often report a lengthy list of visceral and somatic symptoms that can overwhelm a busy provider.

Results from a 2023 nationwide survey published in Gastroenterology estimated the prevalence of Rome IV irritable bowel syndrome in the U.S. climbing to 6.1% — higher than previous reports of 4.7% to 5.3%.

Adhering to a higher number of healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as not smoking, staying physically active and getting optimal sleep, was significantly associated with lower incidence of irritable bowel syndrome, according to data in Gut.

Although effective in select patients, the AGA advised against fecal microbiota-based therapies to prevent recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in severely immunocompromised adults or to treat other gastrointestinal conditions.