Irritable bowel syndrome: Quality of life and nursing interventions

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases diagnosed in medical practice and can account for up to 50% of referrals to gastroenterology outpatient clinics. IBS remains a poorly understood and mysterious medical condition. Individuals can suffer from abdominal pain and abnormal bowel function for unexplained reasons and the impact of these symptoms can have a detrimental affect on health-related quality of life. In this article the incidence, causes, diagnosis and management of IBS are addressed. Specific attention is given to the nursing role in the management of this chronic condition.