Irritable Bowel Syndrome, often referred to as IBS, is part of a group of physical health conditions known as Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI).
Worldwide, there is a 40% prevalence of DGBI and 6-10% for IBS. Diagnostic Criteria for IBS includes recurrent abdominal pain over the last 6 months with at least 1 day/week in the last 3 months with two or more of the following reactions:
- Difficulty or distress with defecation
- Change in the frequency of stool
- Change in the form/appearance of stool
A diagnosis of IBS or another gastrointestinal (GI) condition is typically made after:
- A gastroenterologist’s clinical assessment
- Minimal laboratory tests, and
- When indicated, a colonoscopy and biopsy