Irritable bowel syndrome: enigmatic for doctors, problematic for patients

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastro‐intestinal disorder, characterised by chronic abdominal pain and an alteration in bowel habit. The symptoms of IBS can be debilitating and associated with a reduction in quality of life. Although in Europe IBS more often presents in women, men also suffer and this potential diagnosis should not be overlooked.