Chronic pain in irritable bowel syndrome and other comorbid pain conditions

Introduction. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional intestinal disorder characterized by recurrent pain in the abdomen associated with altered bowel habits. IBS commonly overlap with other comorbid pain conditions such as, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Previous studies have shown that patients with IBS and other comorbid pain conditions, in comparison with patients with only IBS, have more severe IBS symptoms, a higher rate of psychological comorbidity such as depression, anxiety and somatization, greater impairment of quality of life, and more illness-related work absenteeism. Aim. The objective of this review was to analyse the mechanisms of pain in IBS and some of the comorbid pain conditions from the perspective of the practicing physician, to better address therapeutic issues in these difficult medical conditions. Conclusions. Our knowledge of underlying mechanisms of chronic pain in IBS and other coexisting pain conditions is rapidly increased, however further studies are needed. Only a patient centred management could successfully treat these patients.