[Irritable bowel syndrome: pathophysiology and (future) treatment options]

Abnormalities of intestinal motility, altered visceral perception and psychological influences are the most important factors in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. Current pharmacological treatment options are limited and lack specificity. In the future, it is likely that a number of therapeutic agents with stronger spasmolytic effects (selective muscarinic receptor antagonists), more specific colokinetic properties (5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT)4 agonists) and a positive influence on visceral perception (serotonin (5HT3) receptor antagonists, kappa-agonists) will become available.