146: Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Airing Pain

Airing Pain 146: Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Inflammatory Bowel Disease
This edition of Airing Pain focuses on two conditions affecting the gut: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Both affect the digestive system, and both cause pain. In this episode we learn about what separates these outwardly similar sounding conditions, how they are diagnosed, and what treatments might be available.
Dr David Bulmer discusses the key differences and distinguishing features of IBS and IBD, the latest research into these conditions, and potential medicinal treatments for managing the pain they cause.

Professor Rona Moss-Morris sheds light on remission, pain, and symptom management for IBS and IBD, and the challenges these conditions present. We hear about research into the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies designed specifically to help manage IBS and IBD symptoms.

The interviews were recorded at the British Pain Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting, 2024.

Contributors:

Dr David Bulmer, Associate Professor at Cambridge University, specialising in visceral pain and gastrointestinal disease, with a special interest in IBS, IBD, and pain.

Prof. Rona Moss-Morris, Professor of Psychology as Applied to Medicine and Head of the Department of Psychology at the Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London. Lead for Digital Therapies at the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre. She has a special interest in factors that affect symptom experience and adjusting to chronic medical conditions.

Time Stamps:

01:29 Paul Evans introduces Dr David Bulmer, Associate Professor at the Department of Pharmacology at Cambridge University.

01:46 Dr David Bulmer explains the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease and how they are diagnosed.

02:50 Bulmer discusses research into the potential causes of IBS and IBD, including localised allergic response and potential genetic markers.

06:18 Bulmer describes a study into the use of antidepressants for the treatment of IBS.

07:29 Bulmer discusses new treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and how far these impact the actual pain experienced.

12:17 Bulmer explains the ‘Low FODMAP’ diet treatment.

14:17 Evans introduces Professor Rona Moss-Morris, Professor of Psychology as Applied to Medicine and Head of the Department of Psychology at King’s College London.

14:22 Moss-Morris explains the term ‘remission’ and how it is applied to IBS and IBD.

16:33 Moss-Morris discusses clinical trials using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for those with IBS and IBD symptoms.

18:53 Moss-Morris explains what CBT is and how it is used.

23:16 Moss-Morris discusses the use of apps and digital approaches to treatment.

27:55 Moss-Morris gives a final message on pain.

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