| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2010 | Volume
: 5
| Issue : 1 | Page : 37-42 |
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Association and symptom characteristics of irritable bowel syndrome among bronchial asthma patients in Kuwait
Radhakrishna Panicker1, Nermina Arifhodzic1, Mona Al Ahmad1, Seham Ahmed Ali2
1 Al-Rashed Allergy Centre, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
2 Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait
Correspondence Address:
Radhakrishna Panicker
P.O. Box 31505, Sulaibikhat 90806
Kuwait
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1817-1737.58958
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Context : Excess prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in asthma has been reported, suggesting a link between these two conditions.
Aims: To investigate the association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and asthma, and explore the symptoms of IBS among asthma patients in Kuwait.
Settings and Design: Case control study.
Methods: In a tertiary center, for allergy and asthma, 138 patients aged 20-65 years, with asthma, diagnosed clinically and by spirometry,were compared with 145 healthy, non-asthmatic controls matched for age, gender and nationality. Cases and controls completed a self-administered questionnaire of irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis (ROME II criteria).
Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS software, and proportions were tested with Chi-square or Fisher's test. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated to identify the associated risk factors. The demographic variables were selected for logistic regression analysis.
Results : A significantly large proportion (39.13%) of asthmatics had IBS as compared to 7.93% controls
(P < 0.001). A higher proportion of females with IBS were observed in cases and controls (74%, 61.54%). IBS was seen in 87% cases using inhalers, and in 13% with additional oral theophylline (P < 0.001). As many as 66.6% cases, had IBS with relatively short duration of asthma (1-5 years, P < 000). Predominant symptoms of IBS in asthmatics were abdominal discomfort or distension (64.8% vs. 11.5%), (P < 0.000, OR = 14.1; 95%CI: 3.748-53.209), bloated feeling of abdomen (74.1% vs. 34.62% (P < 0.001, OR = 5.38; 95%CI:1.96-14.84)), increased frequency of stools (63%, P < 0.006).
Conclusions: Irritable bowel syndrome in asthmatics was significantly high, more in the female asthmatics. Abdominal discomfort, persistent bloated feeling, increased frequency of passing stools were the most common IBS symptoms observed. |
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