Association and symptom characteristics of irritable bowel syndrome among bronchial asthma patients in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

Excess prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in asthma has been reported, suggesting a link between those two conditions. To investigate the association between irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] and asthma, and explore the symptoms if IBS among asthma patients in Kuwait. Case control study. 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 at self-administered questionnaire of irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis [ROME II criteria]. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, and proportions were tested with Chi-square or Fisher's test. Odds ration [OR] with 95% confidence Interval [CI] were calculated to identify the associated risk factors. The demographic variables were selected for logistic regression analysis. 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, OOR = 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]. 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