title: Irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by bowel irregularity (constipation and/or diarrhea), gaseous distention and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually occur in response to various biological and environmental factors. The diagnosis is made by identifying certain clinical features in association with a negative medical evaluation. Since specific treatment is not available, the patient must be helped to adapt to this chronic or recurrent disorder.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Drossman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged