Irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

A prospective study of 92 cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is presented highlighting the clinical features. Clinical picture of IBS as seen in Sri Lanka is more or less similar to what has been described in western countries. However, there are some striking differences. Males are more commonly affected, the male: female ratio being 2:1 In this country this is a disease of young adults, the majority of patients being in the 20-40 age group. Stress does not seem to play an important role in either precipitating or aggravating symptoms.