Visceral hypersensitivity and IBD

Many patients with IBD experience symptoms despite control of luminal inflammation. These symptoms are often attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In fact, prevalence rates of IBS are quite high in patients with IBD, raising the question of whether the inflammatory process experienced in IBD causes visceral hypersensitivity or, alternatively, IBS symptoms are merely a reflection of occult inflammation. This review explores the relationship of visceral hypersensitivity in the IBD population and discusses the association between inflammation and bowel compliance and sensation.