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Previous Volume 349:2136-2146 November 27, 2003 Number 22 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Irritable bowel syndrome, a common disorder in which bowel habits are altered in association with abdominal pain or discomfort, has a prevalence of 12 percent among adults in the United States and a similar prevalence worldwide.¹ By definition, no mechanical, biochemical, or overt inflammatory condition explains the symptoms. Validated, symptom-based criteria for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome are highly predictive in the absence of alarming symptoms such as weight loss, fever, and intestinal bleeding.^2,3,4 The pain or discomfort experienced by patients with irritable bowel syndrome often leads to health care use and a decreased quality of life.^5,6,7 Diarrhea is . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Pathophysiology

Nonpharmacologic Therapies

The Placebo Effect and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fiber Supplements

Psychotherapy

Nonspecific Bowel-Directed Therapy

Treatment of Constipation

Antidiarrheal Agents

Specific Therapies

Antispasmodic Agents

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Serotonin-3–Receptor Antagonists

Serotonin-4–Receptor Agonists

Other Agents

Future Therapies

Approach to Treatment

Source Information

From the Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and the Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville.

Address reprint requests to Dr. Mertz at Nashville Gastrointestinal Specialists, 4230 Harding Rd., Suite 309 W., Nashville, TN 37205.

Related Letters:

Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Olden K. W., Schoenfeld P. S., Lacy B. E., Mertz H.
Extract | Full Text | PDF  
N Engl J Med 2004; 350:1261-1263, Mar 18, 2004. Correspondence

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