Relationship between rectal sensitivity, symptoms intensity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Summary Background Relationships between pain threshold during rectal distension and both symptoms intensity and alteration in quality of life (QoL) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients have been poorly evaluated. Aim To evaluate relationships between rectal sensitivity, IBS symptom intensity and QoL in a multicentre prospective study. Methods Rectal threshold for moderate pain was measured during rectal distension in IBS patients (Rome II), while IBS symptoms intensity was assessed by a validated questionnaire and QoL by the Functional Digestive Disorder Quality of Life questionnaire. Results Sixty‐eight patients (44.2 ± 12.7 years, 48 women) were included. The mean rectal distending volume for moderate pain was 127 ± 35 mL while 45 patients (66%) had rectal hypersensitivity (pain threshold