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Irritable Bowel Syndrome — MRCGP AKT MCQ

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EasyGastroenterologyIrritable Bowel SyndromeMRCGP AKT

A 27-year-old patient presents with classic symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): abdominal pain relieved by defecation and associated with changes in stool form. Red flag features have been excluded. According to NICE, which dietary advice is the most appropriate initial management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Advise regular meals and adequate hydration, reduce caffeine, and consider trial of low-FODMAP if symptoms persist

NICE recommends initial lifestyle and dietary advice: regular meals, sufficient hydration, limitation of caffeine and alcohol, and moderation of fibre (particularly insoluble fibre). A low-FODMAP diet can be introduced if symptoms persist despite basic measures. Immediately advising a high-fibre or low-FODMAP diet may not be first-line.

Reference: NICE Irritable bowel syndrome in adults guideline (CG61)