Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) |
- Diagnosis based on Rome IV criteria (abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habits)
- Stool studies and blood tests to rule out other conditions
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy if alarming features are present (e.g., rectal bleeding)
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- Dietary modifications (e.g., low FODMAP diet)
- Antispasmodics (e.g., Mebeverine) for pain
- Laxatives or antidiarrhoeals depending on predominant symptom
- Probiotics and psychological support
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Colorectal Cancer |
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
- Colonoscopy with biopsy for diagnosis
- CT scan for staging if cancer is suspected
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- Surgical resection of the tumour
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy based on staging
- Ongoing surveillance with regular colonoscopies post-treatment
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis) |
- Fecal calprotectin to assess for inflammation
- Colonoscopy with biopsy to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- MRI or CT enterography to assess the extent of Crohn’s disease
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- Aminosalicylates (e.g., mesalazine) for mild cases
- Corticosteroids for acute flare-ups
- Immunosuppressants or biologics (e.g., infliximab) for moderate-to-severe disease
- Surgical intervention for complications (e.g., strictures, fistulas)
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Diverticular Disease (Diverticulosis, Diverticulitis) |
- CT scan of the abdomen for diagnosis of diverticulitis
- Colonoscopy for assessment of diverticulosis (avoid during acute diverticulitis)
- Blood tests (CBC, CRP) to assess for infection and inflammation
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- High-fiber diet to prevent diverticulosis
- Antibiotics for diverticulitis (e.g., ciprofloxacin, metronidazole)
- Surgical intervention in recurrent or complicated cases
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Infectious Gastroenteritis |
- Stool cultures to identify bacterial, viral, or parasitic pathogens
- Fecal PCR for rapid identification of pathogens
- Blood tests to assess dehydration and electrolyte levels
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- Oral rehydration therapy or IV fluids for severe dehydration
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections (based on stool culture results)
- Symptomatic treatment with antidiarrhoeals and antiemetics
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Medications (e.g., Laxatives, Opioids, Antibiotics) |
- Review of medication history
- Discontinue or adjust causative medications
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- Adjust medication dose or switch to alternatives
- Probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
- Increase fiber and fluid intake to manage constipation from opioids
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Celiac Disease |
- Serological tests (e.g., anti-tTG antibodies)
- Small bowel biopsy via endoscopy for confirmation
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- Gluten-free diet for life
- Nutritional supplementation if deficiencies are present (e.g., iron, vitamin D)
- Regular follow-up to ensure compliance and monitor for complications
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Lactose Intolerance |
- Hydrogen breath test to diagnose lactose malabsorption
- Elimination diet to confirm diagnosis
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- Avoidance of lactose-containing foods
- Lactase enzyme supplements
- Calcium and vitamin D supplementation if dairy intake is reduced
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