Q 01/05

Which over-the-counter drug for IBS with diarrhea, sold as Imodium, is technically an opioid?

A) Simethicone

B) Loperamide

C) Omeprazole

D) Famotidine

Answer · why

B) Loperamide

Loperamide acts on opioid receptors in the gut wall but does not cross into the brain at normal doses, so it slows the bowel without a high.

Q 02/05

About 90% of which chemical messenger, a target of several IBS drugs, is made in the gut?

A) Serotonin

B) Dopamine

C) Adrenaline

D) Oxytocin

Answer · why

A) Serotonin

Serotonin is mostly made by cells in the gut lining, where it regulates the movement of the bowel rather than mood.

Q 03/05

Which herb's oil, taken in coated capsules, beat a placebo at easing IBS symptoms?

A) Lavender

B) Chamomile

C) Peppermint

D) Lemon verbena

Answer · why

C) Peppermint

Peppermint oil capsules are coated to pass through the stomach intact, because chewing or breaking one can bring on acid reflux.

Q 04/05

People with IBS are about three times more likely to have surgery on which organ, often needlessly?

A) Thyroid

B) Pancreas

C) Adrenal gland

D) Gallbladder

Answer · why

D) Gallbladder

Gallbladder removal is more common in IBS because the cramps get blamed on gallstones the person happens to have.

Q 05/05

In the Western world, irritable bowel syndrome is about twice as common in which group of people?

A) Women

B) Men

C) Children

D) Over-65s

Answer · why

A) Women

Women in Western countries are diagnosed about twice as often as men, yet studies in East Asia find no such gap between the sexes.