Irritable bowel syndrome in the United States

prevalence, symptom patterns and impact

HUNGIN, A. P. S.
CHANG, L.
LOCKE, G. R.
DENNIS, E. H.
BARGHOUT, V.

^*Centre for Integrated Health Care Research, Wolfson Research Institute, University of Durham, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
†UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
‡Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
§Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., East Hanover, NJ, USA

Correspodence to: Prof. A. P. S. Hungin, Centre for Integrated Health Care Research, Wolfson Research Institute, University of Durham, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6BH, UK. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted for publication 16 March 2005

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 21(11):p 1365-1375, June 2005.

SUMMARY

Background

The impact of irritable bowel syndrome, a gastrointestinal motility disorder, is underestimated and poorly quantified, as clinicians may see only a minority of sufferers.

Aim

To determine the prevalence, symptom patterns and impact of irritable bowel syndrome in the US.

Methods

This two-phase community survey used quota sampling and random-digit telephone dialling (screening interview) to identify individuals with medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome or individuals not formally diagnosed, but fulfilling irritable bowel syndrome diagnostic criteria (Manning, Rome I or II). Information on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, general health status, lifestyle and impact of symptoms on individuals' lives was collected using in-depth follow-up interviews. Data were also collected for healthy controls identified in the screening interviews.

Results

The total prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in 5009 screening interviews was 14.1% (medically diagnosed: 3.3%; undiagnosed, but meeting irritable bowel syndrome criteria: 10.8%). Abdominal pain/discomfort was the most common symptom prompting consultation. Most sufferers (74% medically diagnosed; 63% undiagnosed) reported alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Previously diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders occurred more often in sufferers than non-sufferers. Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers had more days off work (6.4 vs. 3.0) and days in bed, and reduced activities to a greater extent than non-sufferers.

Conclusions

Most (76.6%) irritable bowel syndrome sufferers in the US are undiagnosed. Irritable bowel syndrome has a substantial impact on sufferers' well-being and health, with considerable socioeconomic consequences.