Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain

As previously discussed, the pain of irritable bowel syndrome is due either to abnormal intestinal muscle contractions or visceral hypersensitivity. Generally, abnormal muscle contractions and visceral hypersensitivity are much more difficult to diagnose than other diseases causing abdominal pain, particularly since there are no typical abnormalities of the physical examination or the usual tests.

The diagnosis is based on the history (typical symptoms) and the absence of other causes of abdominal pain.

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