Guideline Central Blog

If the majority of patients report that they would be willing to give up 10 to 15 years of their life expectancy just for an instant cure for their Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it gives healthcare providers pretty clear insight into how impactful and potentially debilitating this condition can be on a patient’s quality of life. In recognition of these challenges faced by nearly 1 in 20 people, April is observed as IBS Awareness Month, with World IBS Day held April 19th. This annual initiative is dedicated to increasing awareness about this relatively common, but often stigmatized and misunderstood, digestive disorder that affects millions of people and accounts for billions of dollars in medical costs worldwide.

As we spread awareness and bring attention to this complex disorder of gut-brain interaction, World IBS Day and IBS Awareness Month help us educate both patients and providers on strategies to ameliorate IBS symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with this condition. To support these efforts, it is essential that we take steps towards destigmatizing the condition and continue to stay up-to-date on best practices for IBS treatment and management. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the latest recommendations from IBS-related clinical practice guidelines published by various medical societies between 2014 and 2022 to highlight the best practices for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of IBS.

• Blank = was not discussed/mentioned in that guideline 
• 2018 ACG pharmacotherapy recommendations not included in the comparison table, but can be found in the list below.
• Recommendation gradings can be found in available pocket guides/guideline summaries or in the full text guidelines, available at www.guidelinecentral.com

IBS Guidelines – Assessment, Treatment & Management-Related Recommendations

• Pharmacological Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea
  • 2022 American Gastroenterological Association

• Pharmacological Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation
  • 2022 American Gastroenterological Association

• Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • 2021 American College of Gastroenterology

• Laboratory Evaluation of Functional Diarrhea and Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults
  • 2019 American Gastroenterological Association

• Monograph on Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • 2018 American Gastroenterological Association

• Role of Endoscopy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • 2015 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

• Pharmacological Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • 2014 American Gastroenterological Association

IBS Guidelines – Nutrition & Dietary-Related Considerations

• Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • 2021 American College of Gastroenterology

• Dietary Guidance for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • 2020 International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

• Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • 2020 American Gastroenterological Association

• Monograph on Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • 2018 American Gastroenterological Association

As we celebrate IBS Awareness Month and World IBS Day, we have a unique opportunity to shed light on this commonly misunderstood condition and improve the lives of millions of people affected by it. By recognizing the impact of IBS on patients’ daily lives and taking steps to destigmatize the condition, we can inspire hope, empower shared-decision making and patient-centered care, and promote a sense of community among those who live with it.

By staying informed and implementing the latest best practices and clinical guideline recommendations for IBS management, we can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Let’s continue to raise awareness this April, educate our patients and providers about the condition, and take action to support those who are living with IBS.

#WorldIBSDay #IBSAwarenessMonth