Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disease with highly variable sympt oms and difficult to diagnose. The clinical picture is fundamental to reach a correct diagnosis and discard other gastrointestinal diseases. Its etiol ogy is not well known; psychological problems and stress probably play an i mportant role in the development of the disease. Irritable bowel syndrome i mpairs the quality of life of patients and is a frequent cause of consultat ion in primary care. Its therapy is basically symptomatic and requires psyc hological support. The physician must warn his/her patients that immediate results are rarely obtained and that a prolonged clinical follow up may be necessary.