Irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

PREVIEWIrritable bowel syndrome can be a perplexing disorder for both patient and physician. A costly workup may seem to be the only way to sort through the often confusing array of gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological factors. However, the key to cost-effective management is identification of the characteristic symptom pattern. Dr Harris proposes a straightforward approach to evaluation and treatment based on the use of positive diagnostic criteria.