Managing irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the bowel affecting nearly 17% of adults in Australia and accounting for 25 to 50% of all referrals to gastroenterologists. Successful management encompasses an appreciation of its multifactorial aetiology and a biopsychosocial approach to treatment.

Key Points

IBS is a common, lifelong functional gastrointestinal disorder in which the hallmarks are abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habit (stool form and/or frequency).
A positive diagnosis of IBS is made clinically by identifying the typical symptom complex.
A diagnosis of IBS requires at least six months of symptoms, with the patient having had three days of symptoms monthly for the past three months.
Organic pathology can usually be simply excluded by the recognition of alarm features.
Of those patients with IBS, 50% have coexistent depression/anxiety symptoms that should be sought and addressed.
Management of IBS should be biopsychosocial and individualised, with options ranging from reassurance, education, dietary modifications and psychological interventions to a variety of medications aimed at controlling exacerbating symptoms.

Sunday 5 July 2026

Managing irritable bowel syndrome

Jump To