Patients, doctors and knowledge

Most patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are seen at academic me dical centres, but only a select few of those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are referred there, so comparisons between these two groups cannot b e extrapolated to the community. IBS and IBD are common disorders of young people who have fears about the f uture. While we know little about the pathogenesis of IBS, we do know much about i ts recognition, epidemiology and prognosis. Compassionate and individualized education of patients offers the best mean s of allaying patients' fears of IBS or indeed of any illness.