Who Gets Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Does Seeing a Gastroenterologist Affect Its Course?

Abstract

A review of studies involving patients with irritable bowel syndrome is presented. This review looks at the impact of gastroenterology consultation on health care utilization patterns and the well-being of the patient when followed up over a two-year period. A structured gastroenterological consultation between the physician and patient may decrease the number of office visits for gastrointestinal- related problems.