Epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that is associated with significant healthcare costs and disability. Despite this, our understanding of this syndrome is yet limited and our treatment methods only modestly effective. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of IBS and subsequently discuss the various treatment methods available, including current, novel and potential future therapies.

• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• functional bowel disease
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• motility
• serotonin receptors
• visceral hypersensitivity