Irritable bowel syndrome. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria.

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of several functional bowel disorders. As the data about this common syndrome increase, so does the understanding that it is a disorder with complex pathophysiologic factors. In this article, Drs Morgan and Robson provide the latest information about IBS and its diagnosis and outline a strategy for cost-effective treatment and improved quality of life for patients with this disorder.