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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits in the absence of demonstrable organic disease. 1, 2 Although only 10% of patients with IBS seek medical attention, 3 it is one of the most common diseases treated. In the United States, IBS accounts for 25% to 50% of all referrals to gastroenterologists 4; however, 40% of individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for IBS do not receive a formal diagnosis. 5