Features of the course of irritable bowel syndrome in patients with excess body weight

Introduction: Currently, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is only based on clinical symptoms without clear interpretation and can be interpreted differently, complicating the diagnosis. Therefore, to study features of the prevalence and the course of IBS in patients with excessive body weight / obesity is of particular significance nowadays. The aim of the research is to evaluate the prevalence and the course of IBS in patients with obesity. Materials and methods: Observation results for 120 obese persons who underwent in-patient treatment at various hospital departments in Western Ukraine have been analyzed to evaluate the prevalence of IBS. A thorough collection of complaints, anamnesis of the disease and lifestyle were conducted due to the survey; objective survey data were analyzed. The diagnosis of IBS was made according to Rome IV diagnostic criteria (2016). Results: Patients of all groups were gender and age-matched participants. The average body mass index was 33.9 ± 0.83 kg / m². Excessive body weight was revealed in 6 patients (5.0%). Degrees of obesity: (stage I) was diagnosed in 74 patients (61.6%), stage II was determined in 29 patients (24.2%), and stage III - in 11 patients (9,2%). The vast majority of patients (82.5%) complained of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen. Every second obese patient (52.5%) noted periodic bloating. Periodic nausea was recorded in every third patient with obesity (32.5%). Recurrent abdominal pain was determined in 62 (51.7%) of patients during the last 3 months: in females - 38 (61.3%), in males - 24 (38.7%) respectively. The prevalence of diarrhea with IBS compared to IBS with constipation was also noted: 36 (58.1%) versus 26 (41.9%) of cases. Conclusions: Irritable bowel syndrome was revealed in 51.7% of obese patients. Significant prevalence of combined pathology was noted in females. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea was determined.