New Guidelines for Treatment of Adults with IBS
David May 15th, 2007
The British Society of Gastroenterology has issued guidelines for diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including dietary and psychological treatments, in primary care and other settings. The new recommendations for IBS, a chronic, relapsing gastrointestinal problem characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habit, are published in the May 8 Online First issue of Gut.
“While the precise prevalence and incidence depends on the criteria used, all studies agree that it is a common disorder, affecting a substantial proportion of individuals in the general population, and presenting frequently to general practitioners and to specialists,” write Robin Spiller, MD, from the University Hospital in Nottingham, United Kingdom, and colleagues.
“IBS is troublesome, with a significant negative impact on quality of life and social functioning in many patients, but is not known to be associated with the development of serious disease or with excess mortality. IBS generates significant healthcare costs both direct, due to IBS symptoms and associated disorders as well as indirect, due to time off work.” Continue Reading »