Natural history of irritable bowel syndrome and durability of the diagnosis

Each year, approximately 10% of the general population experience symptoms consistent with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); only about half of these persons will seek care for their symptoms. This review discusses the natural history of IBS from 2 perspectives: a population-based perspective and a clinical perspective. Persons with IBS symptoms often have multiple symptoms that change over time. In addition, patients who receive a diagnosis of IBS rarely develop an organic disease to explain their symptoms. The diagnosis of IBS, when made properly, is a reliable diagnosis. Unfortunately, therapeutic options are limited; thus, the natural history of IBS is one in which symptoms appear, disappear, and change over time.