Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterize d by abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits. It is estimated to occur in 9% to 22% of the US population, and is more often diagnosed in women tha n in men. There are no diagnostic markers for irritable bowel syndrome and no evidence of organic disease. Moreover, the pathophysiology is not comple tely understood; however, abnormal gastrointestinal motility, altered senso ry activity, central neural dysfunction, psychological disturbances, and lu minal factors have been proposed. Treatment requires a multifaceted approac h. Education, dietary measures, fiber supplementation, and pharmacological and psychological interventions have been used in the management of this di sorder.