Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation are common complaints encountered in primary care clinics, and usually suggest problems affecting the lower half of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most common diagnoses for patients with these symptoms, when chronic in nature, are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation, with an estimated pooled community prevalence of 11.2% and 14%, respectively. IBS and chronic constipation represent a substantial burden to patients and society in terms of daily symptoms, quality of life (QoL), work productivity, and health care costs. Indeed, patients experience chronic, disruptive symptoms for many years prior to seeking health care and typically report lengthy and complex treatment histories.
CME CREDITS: 1 CREDIT
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