title: Irritable bowel syndrome: a review and update.
abstract: The understanding of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has undergone a rapid evolution with scientific advancement. IBS is a common functional bowel disorder that generates a significant health care burden and is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition. There are well-established diagnostic criteria and algorithms for the initial evaluation of patients presenting with the symptoms of IBS. The symptoms can be targeted for therapy with a variety of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical agents. Therapy should be individualized for the patient, and the cornerstone for any effective treatment strategy should be the solid patient-physician relationship.
authors: Department of Gastroenterology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana.
authors: Kaitlin
authors: K
authors: Occhipinti
authors: James W
authors: JW
authors: Smith
keywords: functional gastrointestinal disease; irritable bowel syndrome