Revisiting Abdominal Pain in IBS: From Pathophysiology to Targeted Management with Alverine Citrate/Simeticone

Abdominal pain is the cardinal symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the primary determinant of disease burden and healthcare utilization. Despite its diagnostic centrality and high prevalence across all IBS subtypes, effective management remains a clinical challenge. This narrative review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IBS-related pain, emphasizing the role of visceral hypersensitivity, altered brain-gut communication, and luminal factors such as gas and distension. We examine current guideline recommendations, real-world treatment patterns, and evidence supporting both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Particular focus is placed on the fixed-dose combination of alverine citrate/simeticone, which targets both motor and sensory pathways. Mechanistic studies demonstrate its smooth muscle relaxant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory actions. Clinical trials support its efficacy in reducing pain, improving quality of life, and lowering healthcare resource use. Despite these advances, several unmet needs remain, including subtype-specific treatment strategies, mechanistic biomarkers, and broader access to integrated care. The review concludes with a call for more personalized, mechanism-based approaches to pain management in IBS, with alverine citrate/simeticone offering a pragmatic option within this evolving therapeutic framework.