IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) AFFECTS 10 To 15 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION and is more common in women. However, it appears that many patients, especially men, do not seek help for their problem, despite suffering symptoms for many years.It is best to think of the condition as a lifelong problem'that runs a course of relapse and remission, similar to asthma or migraine. Consultation may be precipitated by a variety of factors, such as a deterioration in symptoms or fear of malignant disease.
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