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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 14, 2014; 20(22): 6759-6773
Published online Jun 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6759
Published online Jun 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6759
Irritable bowel syndrome: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine
Lekha Saha, Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
Author contributions: Saha L solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Lekha Saha, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India. lekhasaha@rediffmail.com
Telephone: +91-172-2755253 Fax: +91-172-2755253
Received: September 22, 2013
Revised: December 26, 2013
Accepted: February 17, 2014
Published online: June 14, 2014
Revised: December 26, 2013
Accepted: February 17, 2014
Published online: June 14, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been well documented; these patients exhibit a poorer quality of life and utilize the health care system to a greater degree than patients without this diagnosis. The pathophysiology of IBS is not clear. Many theories have been put forward, but the exact cause of IBS is still uncertain. The complexity and diversity of IBS presentation makes treatment difficult. Although there are reviews and guidelines for treating IBS, they focus on the efficacy of medications for IBS symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive evidence-based review of the diagnosis, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment to guide clinicians diagnosing and treating their patients.