title: Irritable bowel syndrome: a primer on management.
abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and either constipation or diarrhea. Managing this chronic condition requires a coordinated effort between patient and physician. The diagnosis of IBS should be made as early as possible in the evaluation of a patient, so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible. Treatment usually requires a multifactorial approach, including patient education, reassurance, lifestyle changes, and pharmacotherapy. In this article, medications commonly used to treat the individual symptoms of IBS are reviewed, based on evidence from the literature. In addition, new agents that affect the serotonin system and treat the global symptoms of IBS are described.
mesh_terms: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008019:Life Style; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018373:Peripheral Nervous System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012944:Social Support
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D018373:Peripheral Nervous System Agents