How to write a nursing essay on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Solved)

How to write a nursing essay on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Solved)

Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease but a functional disorder whereby the bowel has dysfunctions leading to improper functioning. The condition commonly affects the large intestines (Colon). It is mainly seen in individuals aged between 18-34 years, with most cases seen in females. The causes of irritable bowel syndrome include abnormal gastrointestinal tract movements and changes in the communications of the nervous system between the GI tract and the brain(Farmer et al., 2020). Also, dietary allergies or food sensitivities, imbalances in the transmitters like decreased serotonin levels, stress, and sensory and motor disorders of the colon.

IBS is classified as constipation-predominant (IBS-C), diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) and alternating constipation and diarrhea (IBS-A) or mixed IBS (IBS -M) (Farmer et al., 2020). Constipation predominantly occurs due to slow movements of food through the bowel. This causes hard stool that is hard to pass. it is commonly triggered by eating. Symptoms include abdominal cramping that is relieved by defecation. IBS-C cases are prevalent in Individuals who are advanced in age and of a low socioeconomic class. IBS-D occurs due to the rapid movement of food leading to watery stool. Symptoms include diarrhea early in the morning, usually after eating, that cannot be delayed.

There are several diagnostic criteria for IBS. First is the Rome criteria; you must experience certain signs and symptoms before diagnosing. In Rome criteria, patients must have experienced repeated abdominal pain averaging at least once a week for the previous 12 weeks accompanied with changes in stool frequency and appearance (Farmer et al., 2020). Other tests that can be done include flexible sigmoidoscopy, lactose intolerance test, and in some cases, CT scans. Due to a broad differential diagnosis of IBS, an appropriate diagnosis is needed to ensure severe conditions such as neoplasms are not missed.

References

Farmer, A. D., Wood, E., & Ruffle, J. K. (2020). An approach to the care of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 192(11), E275–E282. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.190716

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