The disorder irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon as it is sometimes known is a functional disorder meaning that it is defined purely in terms of the symptoms. The underlying cause is not known. Contrast this to heart disease where the symptom, loss of blood flow to the heart, and the cause, arterial narrowing, are both known.
According to the National Institutes of Health, a remarkable 20% of Americans suffer from some or all the symptoms of IBS. But the NIH cautions that diagnosis is in its infancy given that many patients present with a vague subset of the symptoms.
There is a subtype of IBS that is accompanied by constipation, increasing the difficulty for patients to have bowel movements to relieve their symptoms. This subtype is known as IBS C, or IBS with constipation, or Predominant Constipation IBS. Other subtypes are IBS A and D but present with different symptoms.
To some extend, laxative drugs help by reducing the constipation but this does not eliminate the pain. Similarly, opiate and other pain medication help with pain but exert little efficacy on constipation. In some cases, opiates are known as causes of constipation themselves. IBS-C patients have difficult choices.
Interestingly, a new FDA report has emerged regarding a new kind of medication known as linaclotide. Linaclotide is supposed to address both the abdominal pain and the constipation at the same time. Linaclotide has in fact been in the area of intestinal medication for quite some time, in various stages of clinical trials.
As of September 2010, the drug has not yet passed the final hurdle of a true Phase 3 trial. The results of the Phase 3 trial are expected in late 2010 from the company Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. This would mark the first medication marketed by the company since its formation.
There exists number of laxatives prescribed to patients with constipation. Amongst the most popular are the well known osmotic laxatives and the stimulant laxatives. These medications derive their names from what may be the chemical basis of action. Osmotic agents draw liquid from the interior tissue into the intestinal lumen which helps acceleration of movement of food matter. Stimulant laxatives increase the activity of the intestines.
According to the National Institutes of Health, a remarkable 20% of Americans suffer from some or all the symptoms of IBS. But the NIH cautions that diagnosis is in its infancy given that many patients present with a vague subset of the symptoms.
There is a subtype of IBS that is accompanied by constipation, increasing the difficulty for patients to have bowel movements to relieve their symptoms. This subtype is known as IBS C, or IBS with constipation, or Predominant Constipation IBS. Other subtypes are IBS A and D but present with different symptoms.
To some extend, laxative drugs help by reducing the constipation but this does not eliminate the pain. Similarly, opiate and other pain medication help with pain but exert little efficacy on constipation. In some cases, opiates are known as causes of constipation themselves. IBS-C patients have difficult choices.
Interestingly, a new FDA report has emerged regarding a new kind of medication known as linaclotide. Linaclotide is supposed to address both the abdominal pain and the constipation at the same time. Linaclotide has in fact been in the area of intestinal medication for quite some time, in various stages of clinical trials.
As of September 2010, the drug has not yet passed the final hurdle of a true Phase 3 trial. The results of the Phase 3 trial are expected in late 2010 from the company Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. This would mark the first medication marketed by the company since its formation.
There exists number of laxatives prescribed to patients with constipation. Amongst the most popular are the well known osmotic laxatives and the stimulant laxatives. These medications derive their names from what may be the chemical basis of action. Osmotic agents draw liquid from the interior tissue into the intestinal lumen which helps acceleration of movement of food matter. Stimulant laxatives increase the activity of the intestines.
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