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Functional diarrhea

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 10:12 authored by Michael J G Farthing
Functional diarrhea occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and as an isolated symptom as functional (painless) diarrhea. Progress has been made in defining these disorders and in identifying new mechanisms involved in symptom production. A strong link exists between intestinal infection and IBS, as is the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The importance of persistent subclinical inflammation is also emerging as a potential etiologic factor, particularly in post-infectious IBS. Although changes in the bacterial flora and bacterial overgrowth have been put forward as additional new contributors to symptom production, the case is not strong. These developments in pathogenesis have facilitated the introduction of new therapies. 5-HT3 antagonists reduce bowel frequency and pain in women with diarrhea-predominant IBS, but their use is limited because of ischemic colitis. Prednisolone lacks efficacy, and early results with probiotics and herbal remedies are encouraging but require confirmation by larger trials.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Current Gastroenterology Reports

ISSN

1522-8037

Publisher

Springer Verlag

Issue

5

Volume

7

Page range

350-357

Department affiliated with

  • Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-07

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    University of Sussex (Publications)

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