Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder characterized by symptoms of abdominal pain with diarrhea and/or constipation. It is associated with significant disability and health care costs. A practical approach to diagnosis utilizes the symptom-based Rome criteria. Management of patients has been helped by recent findings relating to the pathophysiology of the disorder. Dysregulation of intestinal motor functions, sensory functions and central nervous system functions is currently believed to be the basis for irritable bowel symptoms. Symptoms are a result of both abnormal intestinal motility and enhanced visceral sensitivity. Psychosocial factors can affect the illness experience and the clinical outcome. An effective physician-patient relationship is required for a successful outcome. Individualized treatment involves an integrated pharmacologic and behavioral approach determined by the predominant symptom type, the severity of the symptoms and the degree of disability.