Keywords

constipation, diarrhea, gastrointestinal, irritable bowel syndrome, symptom management

 

Authors

  1. Anastasi, Joyce K. PhD, DrNP
  2. Capili, Bernadette DNSc, NP-C
  3. Chang, Michelle MS

Abstract

Overview: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a change in bowel patterns, is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. Because no single drug effectively relieves all IBS symptoms, management relies on dietary and lifestyle modifications, as well as pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies. The authors review current approaches to treatment and discuss nursing implications.