A 62-year-old man with irritable bowel-type symptoms (abdominal pain relieved by defecation, altered stool form for 6 months) has normal blood tests,...

Question

A 62-year-old man with irritable bowel-type symptoms (abdominal pain relieved by defecation, altered stool form for >6 months) has normal blood tests, no weight loss, and no alarm features. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Diagnose irritable bowel syndrome using Rome IV criteria and manage conservatively

Answer

Arrange urgent colonoscopy

Answer

Start long-term high-dose opioids

Answer

Ignore symptoms as they are functional

Answer

Order CT abdomen for all cases

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Irritable bowel syndrome

A 62-year-old man with irritable bowel-type symptoms (abdominal pain relieved by defecation, altered stool form for >6 months) has normal blood tests, no weight loss, and no alarm features. What is the most appropriate management?