Who is affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

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Who is affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common intestinal disorders, affecting about 10% to 15% of people in North America.¹ Up to 20% of people have symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, although less than half of them see a doctor for their symptoms.²

IBS is twice as common in women as in men. In the United States, it is estimated to occur in 14% to 24% of women and 5% to 19% of men.³ The condition is also common in India, Japan, and China.

IBS is less likely to develop for the first time in people over age 50.

References

Citations

1. American College of Gastroenterology Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Task Force (2002). Evidence-based position statement on the management of irritable bowel syndrome in North America. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 97(11, Suppl): S1–S26.

2. Read NW (2002). Irritable bowel syndrome. In M Feldman et al., eds., Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 7th ed., vol. 2, pp. 1794–1806. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

3. Jailwala J, et al. (2000). Pharmacologic treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review of randomized, controlled trials. Annals of Internal Medicine, 133(2): 136–147.

Credits

Last updated:	June 15, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman