부산대학교 도서관

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits in the absence of detectable biochemical or structural abnormalities. The goal of therapy is to improve the patient’s symptoms, prevent suffering, and improve quality of life. Altered bowel habits and abdominal pain may need to be treated independently. The bidirectional relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological issues is well established, and behavioral therapies are effective. The diagnosis of IBS is symptom based. Routine serologic screening for celiac disease in patients with IBS is recommended. Initial treatment involves lifestyle and dietary modifications with symptomatic remedies. Patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms despite these initial measures should undergo tests to identify causative factors.