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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(GS014)

Introduction


Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is part of a spectrum of diseases known as Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders which are characterized by chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms for which no structural or biochemical cause can be found.

IBS is relatively common affecting approximately 15% of persons in the United States (25-55 million) and occuring in men and women of all ages and races.

The cause of IBS is not known and there is no true "cure". Research has demonstrated that persons with IBS have certain characteristic responses within their colons.

While there is no cure for IBS, a multi-pronged approach can help to control symptoms and provide relief. Dietary alterations can help to reduce the occurrence of symptoms brought on by certain foods identified as triggers. Medications are usually not required, but when used are targeted at reducing specific symptoms (diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain) experienced by the person.

Attention must also be paid to the psychological triggers that are known to play a significant role in the provocation of symptoms. In children, IBS is treated mainly through changes in diet.

Get the Facts... With your MediFocus Guide


The Medifocus Guide on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:


What Your Doctor Reads:


This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:


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