Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women

• Published in: Gastroenterology clinics of North America Vol. 40; no. 2; p. 265
• Main Authors: Tsynman, Donald N, Thor, Savanna, Kroser, Joyann A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2011
• Subjects: Female; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome - diagnosis; Irritable Bowel Syndrome - epidemiology; Irritable Bowel Syndrome - physiopathology; Irritable Bowel Syndrome - therapy; Women's Health
• ISSN: 1558-1942
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2011.03.012

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex clinical process with multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms. There has recently been a shift in the treatment of patients with severe IBS symptoms to disease-modifying therapies as opposed to symptomatic treatment. Because pathophysiologic differences exist between men and women, so does the efficacy of treatment options. These differences could further explain gender-related differences in disease prevalence and treatment response. A brief discussion of the definition, epidemiology, and diagnostic criteria of IBS is followed by a comprehensive review of the current treatment choices and potential future therapeutic options of IBS in women.