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REVIEW PAPER
Pathogenesis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
 
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1
Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
 
2
Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Education, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2024-04-09
 
 
Final revision date: 2024-05-17
 
 
Acceptance date: 2024-10-03
 
 
Publication date: 2025-09-17
 
 
Corresponding author
Wojciech Koch
Wojciech Koch Department of Food and Nutrition Medical University of Lublin 4a Chodzki, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
 
 
Medical Studies 2025;41(3):179-188
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), characterized as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, manifests with recurrent abdominal pain and bowel movement issues. The pathogenesis of IBS is a complex process involving factors such as genetics, composition of gut microbiota, previous infections, and environmental factors. Recent studies indicate that gut dysbiosis, caused by chronic inflammation, may damage the intestinal barrier by activating mast cells at the molecular level. The increased quantity of these cells can lead to disrupted communication on the gut-brain axis, consequently induce the development of general pro-inflammatory phenotype and contribute to the development of post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS). Despite progress in understanding the mechanisms, further research is needed to fully comprehend the pathophysiology of IBS. Current therapeutic approaches focus on individualized treatment, encompassing lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapies, pharmacotherapy, and probiotic therapy.
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