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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a chronic relapsing disorder of gastrointestinal function, the main features of which are abdominal pain associated with an altered bowel habit, in the absence of any structural pathology.

Subgroups of IBS are recognised:

• Constipation predominant.
• Diarrhoea predominant.
• A syndrome of alternating diarrhoea and constipation.

IBS is one of the functional disorders of the gut, others include functional dyspepsia, functional diarrhoea or constipation without abdominal pain, abdominal bloating without a disordered bowel habit.

The diagnostic criteria for IBS have recently been revised and are known as The Rome II Criteria. They are useful for both research purposes and clinical assessment.

How big is the problem?

IBS is very common and affects approximately 15% of people in Australia. However not everyone with symptoms seeks medical advice.

IBS is a very common reason for people to see their GP and is responsible for up to 50% of consultations with specialist gastroenterologists

It is very costly to the community in terms of money spent on medical consultations, investigations and days missed from work as well as medications and alternative treatments.

It also has an enormous indirect cost to the community in terms of its effect on quality of life.