Advances in diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the digestive tract manifested by chronic abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits. It has significant negative impacts on quality of life and healthcare resources worldwide. IBS is linked to disrupted signaling between the brain and gut, affecting motility, sensation, and microbiota. Diagnosis is almost always clinical using Rome IV criteria and investigations to exclude organic diseases. IBS is subdivided according to stool patterns, with IBS with diarrhea being most common. Management aims to improve symptoms and quality of life. It includes patient education and reassurance, dietary and lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and psychological approaches. Dietary interventions involve low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet and use of probiotics. Medications such as rifaximin and linaclotide are prescribed for patients with specific IBS types. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven effective in targeting psychological factors contributing to the condition. This narrative review discusses recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS. It points to the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach in IBS management to address the underlying complexity of this condition. Further research should be conducted to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of IBS to improve its prognosis.