Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 14, 2014; 20(34): 12144-12160
Published online Sep 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i34.12144
Irritable bowel syndrome: A clinical review
Rosa LS Soares
Rosa LS Soares, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Federal Fluminense University, Rio de Janeiro 24030-210, Brazil
Author contributions: Soares RLS contributed to the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Rosa LS Soares, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal Fluminense University, Marques do Parana 303, 24030-210 Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. rosaleonora@gmail.com.br
Telephone: +51-21-26299016 Fax: +51-21-26299017
Received: December 18, 2013
Revised: February 9, 2014
Accepted: May 19, 2014
Published online: September 14, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains a clinical challenge in the 21st century. Various mechanisms and theories have been proposed about its etiology, but the biopsychosocial model is the most currently accepted. Today the Rome Criteria are the current gold-standard for the diagnoses of IBS. Traditional management of IBS has been symptom based and several drugs have been used. However, the cornerstone of its therapy is a solid patient physician relationship. This review will provide a summary of pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and current and emerging therapies for IBS.