Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask

Faculty

Lisbeth A. Selby, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Director of Motility Laboratory
Department of Internal Medicine
Division of Digestive Health and Nutrition
University of Kentucky

Needs Statement

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances.

As many as 20 percent of the adult population, or one in five Americans, have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of people.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for gastroenterologists.

Objectives

1. Understand that IBS is a symptom-based diagnosis;
2. Understand ways to elicit critical history in IBS patients;
3. Understand that management of IBS is symptom based;
4. Understand that education and symptom validation is a key management compenent in IBS.

Accreditation

Medicine
The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Selby has no relevant relationships to disclose.