Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common intestinal disorders, affecting about 10% to 15% of people in North America.1 But only about 30% of the people who have IBS will see a doctor for their symptoms.2
IBS is twice as common in women as in men.1 In the United States, it is estimated to occur in 14% to 24% of women and 5% to 19% of men.3 The condition is also common in India, Japan, and China.
References
Citations
American College of Gastroenterology Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Task Force (2002). Evidence-based position statement on the management of irritable bowel syndrome in North America. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 97(11, Suppl): S1–S26.
Olden KW (2002). Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology, 122(6): 1701–1714.
Spanier JA, et al. (2003). A systematic review of alternative therapies in the irritable bowel syndrome. Archives of Internal Medicine, 163(3): 265–274.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | May 23, 2008 |
