Diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome
A practical overview for primary care providers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58931/cpct.2023.1214Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder estimated to affect 10% of the Canadian population. Despite its high prevalence, IBS remains a challenging condition to diagnose and manage due to its varied clinical presentations. Patients with IBS often experience a range of distressing symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, disordered bowel habits and psychological distress, which significantly impact their quality of life (QOL). As a result, patients with IBS are more likely to be high-frequency medical consulters, leading to an increased burden on healthcare systems. This article aims to provide a practical overview of IBS, including its diagnostic criteria, workup and management strategies.
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