Medical management of changes in bowel habit - for Gastroenterologists

Introduction:

Change in bowel habit is a common symptom precipitating referral to clinic. Diagnoses cover a variety of disorders and range from the benign to sinister. There are a variety of guidelines that cover the investigation of change in bowel habit as well as the management of the associated disorders. This module, consisting of ten self-assessment questions, is designed to assess knowledge on issues relating to change in bowel habit that may be encountered in a typical gastroenterology practice. Accompanying the module is a reading list designed to act as a preparative resource to help prepare the reader for the self-assessment questions.

Aims and objectives:

The aims of this module are to:

• Raise awareness as to the investigation and management of a variety of conditions referred to gastroenterology clinics across the spectrum of both diarrhoeal illness and constipation.
• Appreciate some of the specialist investigations appropriate for the investigation of change in bowel habit.