Recognize the manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome

Explanation:

Typically presents with crampy abdominal pain usually relieved with passing of flatus or a B.M. Symptoms do not wake the patient from sleep, are not associated with nausea, vomiting, blood in the stool, or weight loss.

Sigmoidoscopy, ESR and stool occult blood tests are negative.

Anticholinergic agents are of some help. Tegaserod (Zelnorm) is used only in women with constipating type IBS.