EoE Module 13 References-Nelkowska Ann Gastroenterol 2020 Treating IBD through an interdisciplinary approach

Nelkowska Ann Gastroenterol 2020 Treating IBD through an interdisciplinary approach

Pdf Summary

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder with a complex etiology involving the gut-brain axis and gut microbiota. It affects up to 20% of the population in developed countries, with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Traditional treatment approaches often provide limited relief, necessitating an interdisciplinary strategy.<br /><br />Recent discoveries emphasize the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis and stress-related gut microbiota interactions as key factors in IBS pathophysiology. Pharmacological options include laxatives, antidiarrheals, and serotonin receptor modulators, but their effectiveness can be inconsistent, often comparable to placebo. Newer approaches like probiotics and vitamin D supplementation appear promising, though require further verification.<br /><br />Dietary management, particularly the low-FODMAP diet, is gaining attention, but evidence of its superiority is inconclusive and subject to methodological issues. Personalized dietary plans, aligned with patient sensitivities, tend to show effectiveness.<br /><br />Psychological factors play a significant role in IBS, where stress can exacerbate symptoms due to altered gut-brain communication. Psychological interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and hypnotherapy show efficacy in symptom reduction and improving quality of life. However, these are not routinely integrated into IBS management despite their potential benefits.<br /><br />An interdisciplinary approach combining medical, dietary, and psychological strategies is advocated for effective IBS management. This includes engaging gastroenterologists, dietitians, and mental health professionals to address the multifaceted nature of IBS. Future efforts should focus on enhancing access to comprehensive treatment options, including psychotherapy, while promoting further research on emerging therapies like fecal microbiota transplantation and dietary interventions. The goal is to enhance IBS patient care by addressing both the physical and psychological dimensions of the disorder.

Keywords

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

gut-brain axis

gut microbiota

dietary management

psychological interventions

low-FODMAP diet

probiotics

serotonin receptor modulators

cognitive-behavioral therapy

interdisciplinary approach