Epidemiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Symptom-based criteria are typically used to diagnose IBS. An estimated 10% of the general population has IBS. IBS patients commonly report other upper and lower gastrointestinal - as well as a variety of nongastrointestinal - symptoms and complaints. The pathophysiology of IBS still remains largely unknown, but has been attributed to alterations in intestinal motor function, heightened visceral sensitivity, and differences in central nervous system processing of visceral sensation. Patients with IBS commonly report significant work absenteeism, decreased productivity, impaired health-related quality of life, and high direct and indirect healthcare costs.