Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review and Update

Abstract

The understanding of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has undergone a rapid evolution with scientific advancement. IBS is a common functional bowel disorder that generates a significant health care burden and is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition. There are well-established diagnostic criteria and algorithms for the initial evaluation of patients presenting with the symptoms of IBS. The symptoms can be targeted for therapy with a variety of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical agents. Therapy should be individualized for the patient, and the cornerstone for any effective treatment strategy should be the solid patient–physician relationship.

Keywords

irritable bowel syndrome - functional gastrointestinal disease

• References

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