Pathophysiology in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a distressing condition that impairs quality of life, and it deserves to be treated. It also has a large economic impact on healthcare utilization and absenteeism. IBS is a disorder in which three major mechanisms interact: altered gastrointestinal motility, increased sensory function of the intestine and psychosocial factors. The role of prior infection in the development of IBS is the subject of ongoing study. This article focuses on pathophysiological mechanisms, including the potential roles of mucosal changes and neurobiology in the development of IBS. Novel pharmacological agents are being developed to target neural mediators of IBS; they appear promising, and their role in clinical practice will be clarified with regulatory approval and clinical use.