Epidemiology
IBS is present in 10% to 15% of adults in the US.[4]Peery AF, Dellon ES, Lund J, et al. Burden of gastrointestinal disease in the United States: 2012 update. Gastroenterology. 2012 Aug 8;143(5):1179-87.e3.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480553/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22885331?tool=bestpractice.com
One study conducted in a health maintenance organisation population showed the prevalence of IBS symptoms in respondents to be 19.5%.[5]Longstreth GF, Wolde-Tsadik G. Irritable bowel syndrome type symptoms in HMO examinees. Prevalence, demographics, and clinical correlates. Dig Dis Sci. 1993 Sep;38(9):1581-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8359067?tool=bestpractice.com
The prevalence of IBS is similar in Europe and is lower, but increasing, in the Asia-Pacific region.[6]World Gastroenterology Organisation. Irritable bowel syndrome: a global perspective. 2015 [internet publication].
https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/global-guidelines/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-english
Reports from Africa vary but prevalence rates as high as 33% have been reported.[6]World Gastroenterology Organisation. Irritable bowel syndrome: a global perspective. 2015 [internet publication].
https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/global-guidelines/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-english
In the UK, it is estimated that the prevalence is 17% overall, but with a higher prevalence in women (23%) than men (11%).[7]Ford AC, Talley NJ. Irritable bowel syndrome. BMJ. 2012 Sep 4;345:e5836.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22951548?tool=bestpractice.com
[8]Chey WD, Maneerattaporn M, Saad R. Pharmacologic and complementary and alternative medicine therapies for irritable bowel syndrome. Gut Liver. 2011 Sep;5(3):253-66.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166664/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21927652?tool=bestpractice.com
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