Newer aspects of the irritable bowel syndrome

The management of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be challenging for the primary physician. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that is characterized by chronic or recurrent GI symptoms without structural or biochemical abnormalities. Because the symptoms of abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction are similar to many other Gi conditions and at times can be severe, there is a risk of performing unnecessary, expensive, and at times hazardous diagnostic procedures to rule out these conditions. The response to medical therapy also may be disappointing to the primary physician and patient, and this may lead to a referral to a gastroenterologist or tertiary care center.