Why read this summary? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, relapsing, and often
lifelong condition of unknown aetiology, 1 often associated with non-colonic symptoms. In
clinical practice IBS is often diagnosed by the exclusion of more serious illnesses by
unnecessary investigations and inappropriate referral. This article summarises the most
recent guidance on IBS from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE);
the guidelines cover the diagnosis and management of the syndrome, reflecting the …

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are so
prevalent they cannot reasonably have their diagnoses and management based within
specialty care. However, delayed diagnosis, lengthy wait times for specialist review,
overinvestigation and lack of clear diagnostic communication are common. The intrusive
symptoms of IBS and other FGIDs impair patient functioning and reduce quality of life, and
come with significant costs to individual patients and the health care system, which could be …