Irritable bowel syndrome: a practical review.
The epidemiology and current understanding of the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome is reviewed, beginning with a historical perspective. The roles of genetics, environment, allergy, infection and inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, hormones and motility abnormalities are discussed. Using the current evidence-based literature, the practical approach of diagnosis and treatment is outlined, including traditional modalities and newer therapeutic agents such as serotonin modulators.
Podovei
Mihaela
M
GI Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Kuo
Braden
B
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002243:Carbolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D002243:Carbolines; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007211:Indoles; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; C090840:alosetron; C105050:tegaserod