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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal problem characterized by recurrent abdominal pain with bloating, diarrhea or constipation which is not associated with any demonstrable pathology. It can cause quite a bit of distress which will account for increased healthcare use and decreased quality of life. The prevalence in Singapore has been reported to be 8.6%, 22.1% in Taiwan, 6.6% in Hong Kong and 10-15% in the United States and Europe. Women are three times more likely to be affected compared to men. The age of onset varies, but the incidence appears to increase at adolescence and peaks at the third and fourth decades of life.
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For management purposes, irritable bowel syndrome can be classified into it according to the predominant bowel habit: Diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), Constipation-predominant (IBSC) or IBS with alternating symptoms of diarrhea and constipation (IBS-A).
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