Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Epidemiology, Etiopathogenesis and Current Treatment Approaches
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1071/ejmbs.v5i1.30Keywords:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, gut-brain axis, microbiota, ROME IV, treatment, herbal treatmentAbstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common and chronic gastrointestinal disorder involving interactions between the gut and the brain. IBS is characterized by symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and bloating. Although the etiopathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood, it is known that changes in the gut microbiota, low-grade inflammation, visceral sensitivity, and gut-brain axis dysfunction play an important role. The ROME IV criteria are used as the basis for the diagnosis of IBS, and the duration and characteristics of the symptoms are among the main determinants. IBS is clinically divided into four subtypes: predominantly constipated (IBS-C), predominantly diarrheal (IBS-D), mixed type (IBS-M), and unclassifiable (IBS-U). Treatment approaches are individualized and include various methods such as dietary and lifestyle changes, pharmacological treatments, and therapies targeting the gut microbiota. In recent years, studies on the effectiveness of gut microbiota-based treatments and neuromodulatory drugs in the management of IBS have increased. Additionally, peppermint oil, Iberogast, and other herbal products are increasingly being investigated for their potential benefits in relieving IBS symptoms. This review aims to comprehensively address the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, current treatment approaches, and the role of herbal therapies in IBS.
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