Diagnosis and assessment of irritable bowel syndrome: Current perspectives

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term functional bowel condition; it is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) condition in clinical practice. However, it remains a poorly understood disorder in which diagnosis and assessment can be challenging for health professionals, as the classical symptoms of IBS cannot be ascribed to biochemical or structural abnormalities. In the absence of such a pathophysiological explanation, presenting IBS symptoms are suggested as the most reliable diagnostic feature. Despite support for making a positive diagnosis of IBS on the basis of these symptoms, many clinicians continue to approach IBS as diagnosis by exclusion. In article, Graeme D Smith explores current perspectives on diagnosis, classification and assessment of IBS. Attention is given to the role that nurses can play in this process.