Irritable bowel syndrome

PREVIEW

Irritable bowel syndrome, a common gastrointestinal disorder, is the condition for which patients are most often referred to gastroenterologists. Symptoms may be distressing enough to cause avoidance of work and social activities. Stress often exacerbates symptoms, and sensory abnormalities are common in patients with the disease. In this article, Drs Verne and Cerda describe how careful history taking and physical examination can avoid overuse of diagnostic testing and point to the most effective treatment.