FEATURES OF DEVELOPMENT, CLINICAL COURSE, AND MANAGEMENT OF OVERLAP SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Authors:

Abstract:

Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases are common gastroenterological conditions that significantly affect patients' quality of life and create diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical manifestations. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission often continue to experience symptoms characteristic of irritable bowel syndrome, forming the so-called overlap syndrome. This study analyzed clinical records and observational data of patients with a combined course of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. A comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, laboratory and instrumental findings, and therapeutic outcomes was performed. The results showed that overlap syndrome occurs in a significant proportion of patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission, with the main features including persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased intestinal sensitivity, and impaired quality of life. Standard anti-inflammatory therapies were found to be insufficient for controlling functional symptoms, highlighting the need for an integrated approach that combines baseline treatment of inflammatory processes with strategies for managing irritable bowel syndrome. The novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive description of pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical features, and treatment outcomes of overlap syndrome, providing practical guidance for gastroenterologists and improving the accuracy of assessing disease activity. Systematic symptom monitoring and individualized therapy were shown to enhance patient management, reduce the frequency of relapses, and improve quality of life, representing a significant contribution to global gastroenterological practice.

Keywords:

inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn’s disease ulcerative colitis irritable bowel syndrome overlap syndrome functional gastrointestinal disorders

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Publication:

«World of Medicine and Biology» Vol. 22 No. 96 (2026) , с. 226-235
УДК 616.34-002:616.342-008:612.017:612.396

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26724/2079-8334-2026-2-96-226-235