MODERN DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES TO IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits in the absence of detectable organic pathology. While not life-threatening, IBS significantly impairs patients' quality of life and imposes a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods for IBS. The methodology involved a narrative review of scientific literature from major biomedical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Key findings highlight the importance of the Rome IV criteria for diagnosis and classification based on predominant stool patterns. The pathophysiology is increasingly understood as a disorder of the gut-brain axis, involving visceral hypersensitivity, altered motility, immune activation, and microbiome dysbiosis. Consequently, treatment has shifted towards an individualized, integrative model. This includes dietary interventions like the low-FODMAP diet, evidence-based pharmacotherapies targeting specific symptoms and mechanisms, and psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy. Emerging therapies based on microbiome modulation and digital medicine (e-health) show significant promise. The conclusion emphasizes that an integrated, patient-centered approach that considers the unique pathophysiological profile and personal needs of each individual is essential for effective IBS management.
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