Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – the most common gastroenterological disorder
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. However, its exact prevalence is difficult to determine as symptoms vary greatly and often remain non-specific.
Irritable bowel syndrome in transition: epidemiological challenges and global trends
Since irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has is a clinically heterogeneous and not clearly definable clinical picture, it is difficult to collect epidemiological data. The actual prevalence therefore remains unclear. Current estimates and studies show that approximately 11.2% of the population worldwide is affected. Against the backdrop of global changes in dietary habits and lifestyle – particularly due to the increasing prevalence of Western lifestyles – a further increase in the incidence of the disease is to be expected in the future.
Complex factors influencing the frequency of irritable bowel syndrome
The prevalence and incidence of irritable bowel syndrome vary considerably and depend heavily on the definition used, the number of diagnostic criteria met and the health behaviour of those affected, in particular their use of medical care. Genetic factors and environmental influences often interact in the development of irritable bowel syndrome, and their effects can extend over the entire lifespan.
Overview of influencing factors
Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome: significance of acute gastroenteritis
Approximately 10% of patients develop post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) after acute gastroenteritis. Even after six years, the prevalence is still over 20%. Persistent immune reactions, intestinal mucosal disorders and disturbed intestinal flora are suspected as underlying mechanisms.
Female gender
Irritable bowel syndrome occurs about two to two and a half times more often in women than in men. Although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the literature points to hormonal differences between the sexes as a possible explanation.
Psychological stress and childhood trauma
There is a link between mental disorders – particularly anxiety and depression – and irritable bowel syndrome, which is based on the mutual influence of both conditions. Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to altered bowel motility and increased visceral sensitivity via increased corticotropin-releasing hormone secretion.
Early traumatic experiences, especially in childhood, are more common in people with IBS and have been shown to increase the risk of developing the condition, presumably through changes in the microbiome/gut flora and the gut-brain axis.
Prevalence of coeliac disease in people diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome
In people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there is thought to be an increased number of undiagnosed cases of coeliac disease . Professional associations therefore recommend serological coeliac disease testing in IBS, as the prevalence in this group is around 3–4.5%.
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Current approaches to the management of irritable bowel syndrome
Read moreSources
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- Oka P, Parr H, Barberio B, Black CJ, Savarino EV, Ford AC. Global prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome according to Rome III or IV criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;5(10):908–17.
- Lovell RM, Ford AC. Global prevalence of and risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 10: 712–721.e714
- Sulaimi F, Ong TSK, Tang ASP, Quek J, Pillay RM, Low DT, Lee CKL, Siah KTH, Ng QX. Risk factors for developing irritable bowel syndrome: systematic umbrella review of reviews. BMC Med. 2025 Feb 21;23(1):103. doi: 10.1186/s12916-025-03930-5. PMID: 39985070; PMCID: PMC11846330.