Irritable bowel syndrome

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In this article, Dr Snape paints an optimistic picture of what until recently had been a particularly elusive and refractory disease. Irritable bowel syndrome is now known to result from abnormalities in smooth muscle function, although multiple factors may be involved. Treatment still includes dietary fiber, but pharmacologic therapy has advanced remarkably. Besides anticholinergic drugs, calcium channel blockers and nitrates are being tried.