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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Conditions
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, is a chronic condition of the lower gastrointestinal tract (Figure 1) that affects as many as 15% of adults in the United States. Not easily characterized by structural abnormalities, infection, or metabolic disturbances, the underlying mechanisms of IBS have for many years remained unclear. Recent research... has lead to an increased understanding of IBS. As a result, IBS is now considered an organic and, most likely, neurologic bowel disorder.
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Because there are usually no physical signs to definitively diagnose irritable bowel syndrome, diagnosis is often a process of elimination. To help in this process, researchers have developed diagnostic criteria, known as Rome criteria, for IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders — conditions in which the bowel appears normal but doesn't function normally.
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Irritable bowel syndrome can only be diagnosed once it is clear that there is no other medical condition causing the symptoms. There are a number of conditions that display the same or similar signs as irritable bowl syndrome and some of these are severe and will require more immediate attention.
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