PREVALENCE, SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND ATTITUDE OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME OVERVIEW

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Symptom-based criteria are typically used to diagnose IBS. An estimated 10% of the general population has IBS. Little is known about the prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, attitude, and referral to specialists of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in general practice. This study aimed to determine these characteristics.

Keywords: IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), LMA (lactose malabsorption), MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory)