Final answer:
The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as diarrhea and cramping abdominal pain, can be attributed to increased serotonin levels in the gastrointestinal tract which enhance smooth muscle contraction and increase gut motility. Additionally, activation of adenylate cyclase in intestinal cells leads to increased secretion of fluids, contributing to watery diarrhea. Soluble fiber supplements can help manage IBS symptoms by normalizing bowel movements and reducing inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathophysiological Mechanism of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The clinical presentation of a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experiencing diarrhea and cramping abdominal pain can be explained by certain pathophysiological mechanisms. The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a crucial role in the gastrointestinal tract, where most serotonin is synthesized in neurons that innervate smooth muscle cells. Increased levels of serotonin are associated with enhancing smooth muscle contraction, leading to increased gut motility and, consequently, diarrhea. In addition, serotonin receptors activate second messenger cascades that can regulate gene expression, influencing gastrointestinal function.
Furthermore, activation of adenylate cyclase in intestinal cells can lead to increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP), causing the secretion of fluids and electrolytes out of the cells and into the lumen of the intestines. This process is commonly associated with the watery diarrhea and the loss of fluids seen in IBS. As a result, these biological processes underlie the symptoms of IBS, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and discomfort.
Besides, stress is known to exacerbate the symptoms of IBS and functional dyspepsia. The condition's chronic nature often demands management strategies that include dietary modifications, such as the incorporation of soluble fiber supplements that can alleviate both diarrhea and constipation by normalizing bowel movements and reducing gut inflammation.