Intestinal microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Gastrointestinal microbiota, also known as “microflora,” is a collection of microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Under normal circumstances, the microbiota helps maintain intestinal homeostasis. However, some resident bacteria can transition from symbionts to pathobionts, leading to the development and progression of gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia, severe diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, including cramping, gas, and constipation. This mini-review will briefly describe microbiota, IBS, the interrelationship between IBS and microbiota, and the therapeutic use of microbiota in treating IBS.