Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common medical disorder characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction. It is associated with significant disability and health care costs. A practical approach to diagnosis is the symptom-based Rome criteria. Management of patients has been helped by recent findings relating to the epidemiology, pathophysiology and psychosocial contributions of the disorder. Dysregulation of intestinal motor, sensory and central nervous system function is currently believed to be the basis for IBS symptoms. Symptoms are due to both abnormal intestinal motility and enhanced visceral sensitivity. Psychosocial factors are not a cause but can affect the illness experience and clinical outcome. Finally, treatment involves an effective physician-patient relationship and an integrated pharmacologic and behavioral approach that is determined by the needs of the patient, the type and severity of the symptoms and the degree of disability.