Gastro: Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Free MSRA Podcast

🎧 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Diagnosis, Triggers & ManagementYour ultimate high-yield guide to IBS, ideal for MSRA revision. Clear, concise, practical.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder—no visible pathology, characterised by abdominal pain linked with altered bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or mixed).• Now understood as a disorder of brain–gut interaction.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Multifactorial—no single cause.• Key factors: abnormal gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, brain–gut dysfunction, post-infectious triggers, psychological stress, gut microbiome imbalance, genetics.• Risk factors: female sex, age <50, previous GI infections, family history, anxiety or depression.📌 MnemonicsCIA – Core Investigations:• Coeliac screen• Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, faecal calprotectin)• Anaemia check (FBC)T-REF – Not routinely needed:• Thyroid tests• Routine scopes• Endoscopy• Faecal occult bloodWEIGHT – Red Flags:• Weight loss• Elderly onset• Intestinal bleeding• Gut inflammation• Haemoglobin (anaemia)• Test abnormalities (high CRP/calprotectin)FLOW – Referral Reasons:• Family history (cancer, IBD)• Loss of weight• Older than 60 with new symptoms• Worsening bleedingSLDP – First-line Management:• Stress reduction• Lifestyle (exercise, sleep)• Dietary changes (fibre, low-FODMAP)• Probiotics trialALAPIER – Medications:• Antispasmodics• Laxatives• Antidepressants (TCAs/SSRIs)• Pain relief• IBS-targeted agents (Rifaximin, Linaclotide)• Emerging treatments• Rehydration (for diarrhoea)📌 Clinical Features• Recurrent abdominal pain related to defecation• Bloating, distension, altered stool form/frequency• Mucus in stool; worse with stress/foods• Extraintestinal: fatigue, nausea, urinary urgency📌 Diagnosis (Rome IV criteria)• Abdominal pain ≥1 day/week, last 3 months• Pain related to defecation, stool frequency/form change• Exclude IBD, Coeliac, malignancy, infections (Giardia), bile acid malabsorption📌 Investigations✅ Do: FBC, CRP/ESR, faecal calprotectin, coeliac serology🚫 Don’t routinely: Colonoscopy, thyroid tests, ultrasound, FOB, hydrogen breath tests📌 ManagementLifestyle & Diet• Regular meals, reduce caffeine/alcohol• Trial fibre, low-FODMAP diet (with dietitian)• Probiotics (4-week trial)Medications (symptom-based)• Diarrhoea: Loperamide• Constipation: Laxatives (macrogol, lactulose)• Pain/bloating: Antispasmodics (Mebeverine, peppermint oil)• Persistent pain: TCAs (amitriptyline), SSRIsPsychological Support• CBT, hypnotherapy—if refractory symptoms persistSpecialist / Second-Line Treatments• IBS-D: Rifaximin• IBS-C: Linaclotide, Lubiprostone• Rare use: Ondansetron (IBS-D)📌 Prognosis & Complications• Chronic, fluctuating symptoms• No increased cancer/IBD risk• Significant quality of life impact, mental health• Slight increased risk of certain surgeries due to hypersensitivity📎 More MSRA Resources for IBS📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/irritable-bowel-syndrome-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/irritable-bowel-syndrome-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/irritable-bowel-syndrome-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/irritable-bowel-syndrome-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/gastroenterology-for-the-msra/ Hashtags#MSRA#MSRARevisionNotes #IrritableBowelSyndrome #MSRAQuiz #MSRAFlashcards#MSRAQandANotes #FunctionalGutDisorders #RomeCriteria #GastroMSRA#NICEGuidelines #MSRAExam #MSRARevisionWebsite