Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, linked to disruptions of gut-brain interaction, is characterized by pain in the abdomen along with change in bowel habits.
IBS markedly affects an individual’s quality of life. The condition has been reported to be common among Indians. Community-based studies have shown the prevalence to range between 0.4% and 4.2%. Additionally, in our country, it is equally common among both men and women.
Various factors are at play when it comes to the development of IBS. These include central and peripheral factors (Table 1). Genetic factors may contribute to both central and peripheral mechanisms.