IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, often including bloating. The condition is common and can substantially affect quality of life and cause considerable economic burden. Intense research efforts into understanding the mechanisms that underlie IBS (including the role of the gut microbiota, gut–brain axis, genetics and immune system) are ongoing and new approaches for effective treatment are being developed, including dietary management and novel drugs.
This Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Nature Reviews Disease Primers Web Collection on IBS presents a selection of articles from leaders in the field, covering key aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of IBS.
PrimeView
Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that can be mild in some patients, but debilitating in others. This PrimeView from Nature Reviews Disease Primers focuses on the complex aetiology and current understanding of the molecular pathophysiology, involving intestinal permeability, microbiota, inflammation and visceral sensitivity, among other factors. For more detail, see the accompanying Primer.
Nature Outlook
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Although the stigma surrounding the syndrome is fa
lling away, many physicians and research funders still consider it to be a mild condition that does not merit substantial investment. As research slowly progresses, there is increased hope for treating, or perhaps preventing, this always unpleasant and in some cases severe condition. Read the Nature Outlook here: http://www.nature.com/nature/outlook/ibs/.
For more on IBS on nature.com, see: http://www.nature.com/subjects/irritable-bowel-syndrome
