CLINICAL ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition characterized by recurrent abdominal discomfort associated with changes in bowel movement patterns. This condition significantly affects individuals' quality of life, with symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits and postprandial discomfort. The etiology of IBS is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental and psychosocial factors. The diagnosis is predominantly clinical, based on established criteria, such as the Rome criteria. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature to critically evaluate clinical assessment methods and treatment options used for irritable bowel syndrome. We seek to analyze the scientific evidence available over the last 10 years, exploring the most effective diagnostic approaches, the most promising treatment protocols and identifying gaps in knowledge that require future investigation. Methodology: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search for relevant articles was carried out in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases. We used five main descriptors: irritable bowel syndrome, diagnosis, treatment, clinical evaluation and therapy. The inclusion criteria included studies published in the last 10 years, peer-reviewed articles and available in English, Portuguese or Spanish. We excluded studies that did not directly address clinical assessment or treatment of IBS, in addition to those that did not have an adequate design. The inclusion criteria for the present systematic review covered studies published in the last 10 years that investigated specific diagnostic methods, explored therapeutic approaches for the syndrome irritable bowel disease (IBS), including pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological interventions, and provided data on the efficacy and safety of the interventions studied. On the other hand, studies that did not focus directly on the clinical assessment or treatment of IBS, those without peer review, as well as research with an inadequate methodological design were excluded. The review prioritized articles available in English, Portuguese or Spanish, ensuring a comprehensive and careful scope in the selection of scientific evidence relevant to the topic. Results: Analysis of selected articles revealed a variety of clinical assessment methods, including symptom questionnaires, imaging tests, and specific biomarkers. Regarding treatment, several pharmacological approaches and behavioral therapies have been identified that have shown effectiveness in reducing IBS symptoms. Among the main topics covered, personalized treatment options and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach stand out. Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical assessment and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome over the past 10 years. The evidence highlights the need for individualized approaches, considering the complexity of this condition. The integration of different therapeutic modalities and the identification of promising biomarkers emerge as crucial areas for future investigations, aiming to improve the understanding and effective management of this gastrointestinal syndrome.