“Best practice” recommendations for step-by-step clarification and stage-adapted therapy

The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is based on the Rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders. The main symptoms are abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, but patients often report a whole host of symptoms. The pathophysiology of IBS is multifactorial and complex; an important overarching concept relates to the gut-brain axis. Therapy is adapted in stages and patient-oriented.