Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – the most common gastroenterological disorder
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. Determining its exact prevalence remains challenging due to the wide variability and nonspecific nature of symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome in transition: epidemiological challenges and global trends
Since irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a clinically heterogeneous and not clearly definable condition, it is difficult to collect epidemiological data. The actual prevalence therefore remains unclear. Recent estimates suggest that around 11.2% of the global population is affected. Against the backdrop of global changes in dietary habits and lifestyle—particularly due to the increasing prevalence of Western lifestyles—an upward trend in disease incidence is anticipated.
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 behavior of those affected, especially 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%. Underlying mechanisms may include persistent immune responses, mucosal disruptions, and microbiota imbalances.
Female gender
Irritable bowel syndrome occurs about two to two and a half times more frequently in women than in men. While the precise pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear, hormonal differences between sexes are frequently cited as a contributing factor.
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 triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system, potentially altering bowel motility and heightening visceral sensitivity through elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone levels.
Early traumatic experiences, especially in childhood, are more common in people with IBS and are associated with increased risk, likely mediated by alterations in the gut microbiome and gut-brain axis.
Prevalence of celiac 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 celiac disease. Professional guidelines recommend serological testing for celiac disease in IBS patients, given a prevalence of approximately 3–4.5% in this population. According to the current S3 guideline, over 75% of more than 1,000 people with celiac disease reported symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating before diagnosis. More than half received misdiagnoses of IBS or psychological conditions. In over 20% of cases, accurate diagnosis was delayed by more than a decade.
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