title: Epidemiological characteristics and socioeconomic importance of irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: In summary, in light of the flood of figures, statistics, and epidemiological evidence, the socioeconomic importance of IBS cannot be questioned. The development of new, effective treatments that would control the symptoms is a huge challenge for researchers and the pharmaceutical industry. Drugs able to relieve the symptoms of IBS would provide great relief to a large number of patients, and would save the health system considerable effort and resources.
authors.affiliation: Digestive System Service, Hospital Comarcal de la Selva, Blanes, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balboa
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mearin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors