Cited by 477Gastrointestinal motility and disordersPsychosomatic Disorders and Their TreatmentsInfant Health and Development

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 23 of the 23 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Irritable bowel syndrome in general practice: prevalence, characteristics, and referral

Open access

Thompson, W G, Heaton, K W, Smyth, G T, Smyth, C·2000·Gut

DOI 10.1136/gut.46.1.78PMC PMC1727778

Open this paper in CoChat — free account Open PDF

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Little is known about the prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, attitude, and referral to specialists of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in general practice. This study aimed to determine these characteristics. METHODS: 3111 patients attending 36 general practitioners (GPs) at six varied locations in and near Bristol, UK, were screened to identify those with a gastrointestinal problem. These patients (n=255) and their doctors were given questionnaires. Six months later the case notes were examined to reach criteria based diagnoses of functional bowel disorders. RESULTS: Of 255 patients with a gastrointestinal complaint, 30% were judged to have IBS and 14% other functional disorders. Compared with 100 patients with an “organic” diagnoses, those with IBS were more often women and more often judged by their GP to be polysymptomatic and to have unexplained symptoms. The majority of patients with IBS (58%) were diagnosed as such by the GP; 22% had other functional diagnoses. Conversely, among 54 patients diagnosed as having IBS by the GPs, the criteria based diagnosis was indeed functional in 91%; only one patient had organic disease (proctitis). More patients with IBS than those with organic disease feared cancer. In most some fear remained after the visit to the doctor. On logistic regression analysis, predictors of referral to a specialist (29% referred) were denial of a role for stress, multiple tests, and frequent bowel movements. CONCLUSIONS: Half the patients with gut complaints seen by GPs have functional disorders. These are usually recognised, and few patients are referred. In IBS, cancer fears often remain, suggesting unconfident diagnosis or inadequate explanation.

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1136/gut.46.1.78

Cites

23 of 23 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The self-check needs the paper’s full text.

Functional bowel disorders and functional abdominal pain
Thompson, W. G., Longstreth, G. F., Drossman, D. A., Heaton, K. W., Irvine, E. J., & Müller-Lissner, S. A. (1999) · Gut · doi:10.1136/gut.45.2008.ii43 · Cited by 2,440
Self-citation
Towards positive diagnosis of the irritable bowel.
Manning, A. P., Thompson, W., Heaton, K. W., & Morris, A. F. (1978) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.2.6138.653 · Cited by 1,404
Self-citation
Non-colonic features of irritable bowel syndrome.
Whorwell, P. J., McCallum, M., Creed, F. H., & Roberts, C. T. (1986) · Gut · doi:10.1136/gut.27.1.37 · Cited by 473
A diagnostic score for the irritable bowel syndrome. Its value in the exclusion of organic disease.
Kruis, W., Thieme, C., Weinzierl, M., Schüßler, P., Holl, J., & Paulus, W. J. (1984) · PubMed · Cited by 318
A diagnostic score for the irritable bowel syndrome
Kruis, W., Thieme, C., Weinzierl, M., Schüßler, P., Holl, J., & Paulus, W. J. (1984) · Gastroenterology · doi:10.1016/0016-5085(84)90119-7 · Cited by 297
Impact of irritable bowel syndrome on quality of life
Whitehead, W. E., Burnett, C. K., Cook, E. W., & Taub, E. (1996) · Digestive Diseases and Sciences · doi:10.1007/bf02071408 · Cited by 290
Psychiatric Illness and The Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Young, S. J., Alpers, D., Norland, C. C., & Woodruff, R. A. (1976) · Gastroenterology · doi:10.1016/s0016-5085(76)80002-9 · Cited by 275
Psychological significance of the irritable colon syndrome
Hislop, I. G. (1971) · Gut · doi:10.1136/gut.12.6.452 · Cited by 246
Psychiatric illness and irritable bowel syndrome: a comparison with inflammatory bowel disease
Walker, E. A., Roy‐Byrne, P., Katon, W. J., Li, L., Amos, D., & Jiranek, G. (1990) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/ajp.147.12.1656 · Cited by 233
MORBIDITY statistics from general practice.
Logan, W. P. D. (1954) · PubMed · Cited by 214

Flagged first, then by citations

Show all 21 references

Research works printed but not linked: 1

Thompson, 1997, Gut complaints in general practice: implications for the currculum [abstract]., Gastroenterology, 112, A46

Sorted by citations

Items 201–300 of 476

The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Thompson, W. (2002) · Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics · doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01312.x · Cited by 34
Self-citation
Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of a Spanish version of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Score
Almansa, C., García-Sánchez, R., Barceló, M., Díaz‐Rubio, M., & Rey, E. (2011) · Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas · doi:10.4321/s1130-01082011001200002 · Cited by 33
“IBS is a common cause of medical consultation, representing up to 3% of all patients seen in primary care and 25% of those attended in gastroenterology (3).”
Background
Feasibility, acceptability and cost efficiency of using webinars to deliver first‐line patient education for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome as part of a dietetic‐led gastroenterology service in primary care
Williams, M., Barclay, Y., Harper, L., Marchant, C., Seamark, L., & Hickson, M. (2020) · Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics · doi:10.1111/jhn.12799 · Cited by 33
“One in twelve GP consultations are for gastrointestinal problems and IBS is by far the most common gastrointestinal condition seen by GPs (29).”
BackgroundInfluential
Prevalence, bowel habit subtypes and medical care-seeking behaviour of patients with irritable bowel syndrome in Northern Greece
Katsinelos, P., Lazaraki, G., Kountouras, J., Paroutoglou, G., Oikonomidou, I., Mimidis, K., Koutras, C., Gelas, G., Τζιόμαλος, Κ., Zavos, C., et al. (2009) · European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology · doi:10.1097/meg.0b013e328312eb97 · Cited by 33
Relationship of bloating to other GI and menstrual symptoms in women with irritable bowel syndrome
Heitkemper, M. M., Cain, K. C., Jarrett, M. E., Burr, R. L., Crowell, M. D., & Woods, N. F. (2004) · Digestive Diseases and Sciences · doi:10.1023/b:ddas.0000011608.82893.71 · Cited by 32
Irritable bowel symptoms, use of healthcare, costs, sickness and disability pension benefits: A long-term population-based study
Poulsen, C. H., Eplov, L. F., Hjorthøj, C. R., Hastrup, L. H., Eliasen, M., Dantoft, T. M., Schröder, A., & Jørgensen, T. (2018) · Scandinavian Journal of Public Health · doi:10.1177/1403494818776168 · Cited by 32
The Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Celiac Disease Connection
Aziz, I., & Sanders, D. S. (2012) · Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.giec.2012.07.009 · Cited by 32
“IBS is frequently encountered in clinical practice, accounting for almost a third of all gastroenterology cases seen in primary care, with a subsequent third of these being referred on to secondary care for further evaluation.(2) The condition predominantly affects young to middle-aged adults,(3,4) with the natural hi…”
Background
Change in Quality of Life for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome following Referral to a Gastroenterologist: A Cohort Study
Canavan, C., West, J., & Card, T. R. (2015) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0139389 · Cited by 32
“In keeping with other studies that report greater referral of patients with diarrhoea predominant symptoms rather than constipation or alternating bowel function[17,19,28], a higher proportion of patients in our study had diarrhoea predominant IBS than is seen in primary care.”
BackgroundResult
Predicting colorectal cancer risk in patients with rectal bleeding.
Robertson, R., Campbell, C., Weller, D., Elton, R. A., Mant, D., Primrose, J. M., Nugent, K. P., Macleod, U., & Sharma, R. (2006) · PubMed Central · Cited by 31
Diagnosis of Constipation in Family Practice
Ferrazzi, S., Thompson, G. W., Irvine, E. J., Paré, P., & Rance, L. (2002) · Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1155/2002/740413 · Cited by 30
Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Their Perception of a Good Quality of Life
Bengtsson, M., Ohlsson, B., & Ulander, K. (2007) · Gastroenterology Nursing · doi:10.1097/01.sga.0000267924.24180.1a · Cited by 30
Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in first-degree relatives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Aguas, M., Garrigues, V., Bastida, G., Nos, P., Ortiz, V., Fernández, A., & Ponce, J. D. C. (2011) · Journal of Crohn s and Colitis · doi:10.1016/j.crohns.2011.01.008 · Cited by 29
Physician knowledge of Rome symptom criteria for irritable bowel syndrome is poor among non‐gastroenterologists
Charapata, C., & Mertz, H. (2006) · Neurogastroenterology & Motility · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2005.00750.x · Cited by 30
Use of Evidence-Based Herbal Medicines for Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Conceptional Framework for Risk-Benefit Assessment and Regulatory Approaches
Holtmann, G., Schrenk, D., Madisch, A., Allescher, H. D., Ulrich-Merzenich, G. S., Mearin, F., Larrey, D. G., & Malfertheiner, P. (2019) · Digestive Diseases · doi:10.1159/000504570 · Cited by 29
Irritable bowel syndrome: How far do you go in the workup?
Drossman, D. A. (2001) · Gastroenterology · doi:10.1053/gast.2001.29782 · Cited by 29
Long‐term symptom severity in people with irritable bowel syndrome following dietetic treatment in primary care: A service evaluation
Seamark, L., Barclay, Y., Marchant, C., Williams, M., & Hickson, M. (2021) · Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics · doi:10.1111/jhn.12860 · Cited by 30
Unbalanced expression of protease-activated receptors-1 and -2 in the colon of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients
Bian, Z. X., Li, Z., Huang, Z. X., Zhang, M., Chen, H. L., Xu, H., & Sung, J. J. �. (2009) · Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1007/s00535-009-0058-2 · Cited by 28
“Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and/or pain with altered bowel habit [1, 2].”
Background
Do the Symptom-Based, Rome Criteria of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lead to Better Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes?
Spiller, R. E., Camilleri, M., & Longstreth, G. F. (2010) · Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology · doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2009.12.018 · Cited by 28
Increased Risk of Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy Among Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Khashan, A. S., Quigley, E. M. M., McNamee, R., McCarthy, F. P., Shanahan, F., & Kenny, L. C. (2012) · Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology · doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2012.02.014 · Cited by 27
Irritable bowel syndrome: an update on therapeutic modalities
Farhadi, A., Bruninga, K., Fields, J. Z., & Keshavarzian, A. (2001) · Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs · doi:10.1517/13543784.10.7.1211 · Cited by 27
“In general practice, 30% of those with GI complaints were judged to have IBS [2].”
Background
Application of the general health status questionnaire SF36 to patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction: initial validation and validation as a measure of change
Bensoussan, A., Chang, S., Menzies, R. G., & Talley, N. J. (2001) · Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health · doi:10.1111/j.1467-842x.2001.tb00554.x · Cited by 27
Reimagining the diagnostic pathway for gastrointestinal cancer
Rubin, G. P., Walter, F. M., Emery, J. D., & de Wit, N. J. (2018) · Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology · doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2018.1 · Cited by 26
Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Like Symptoms in Ulcerative Colitis Patients in Clinical Remission: Association with Residual Colonic Inflammation
Ishihara, S., Kawashima, K., Fukuba, N., Tada, Y., Kotani, S., Mishima, Y., Oshima, N., & Kinoshita, Y. (2018) · Digestion · doi:10.1159/000494412 · Cited by 26
A new soy germ fermented ingredient displays estrogenic and protease inhibitor activities able to prevent irritable bowel syndrome-like symptoms in stressed female rats
Moussa, L., Bézirard, V., Salvador–Cartier, C., Bacquie, V., Houdeau, É., & Théodorou, V. (2012) · Clinical Nutrition · doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2012.05.021 · Cited by 26
Rome? Manning? Who Cares?
Agréus, L. (2000) · The American Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.03171.x · Cited by 26
“A vast majority of those people with IBS symptoms consult in general practice (15).”
BackgroundInfluential
Impact of upper digestive symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Mearin, F., Mearin, F. N., a, X. B., Benavent, J., Caballero, A. M., Domínguez‐Muñoz, J. E., Garrigues, V., Piqu, J. M. A., Roset, M., Cucala, M., et al. (2006) · European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology · doi:10.1097/01.meg.0000243870.41207.2f · Cited by 26
Psychosomatik viszeraler Schmerzsyndrome
Häuser, W., & Grandt, D. (2002) · Der Schmerz · doi:10.1007/s00482-002-0190-x · Cited by 25
What is the cost of delayed diagnosis of bile acid malabsorption and bile acid diarrhoea?
Fernandes, D., Poon, D., White, L. L., & Andreyev, J. N. (2018) · Frontline Gastroenterology · doi:10.1136/flgastro-2018-101011 · Cited by 25
The Effect of Bifidobacterium on Reducing Symptomatic Abdominal Pain in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Pratt, C., & Campbell, M. D. (2019) · Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins · doi:10.1007/s12602-019-09609-7 · Cited by 27
Calea zacatechichi dichloromethane extract exhibits antidiarrheal and antinociceptive effects in mouse models mimicking irritable bowel syndrome
Sałaga, M., Kowalczuk, A. P., Zielińska, M., Błażewicz, A., & Fichna, J. (2015) · Naunyn-Schmiedeberg s Archives of Pharmacology · doi:10.1007/s00210-015-1142-1 · Cited by 25
Do published guidelines for evaluation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome reflect practice?
Yawn, B. P., LYDICK, E. G., Locke, G. R., Wollan, P. C., Bertram, S. L., & Kurland, M. (2001) · BMC Gastroenterology · doi:10.1186/1471-230x-1-11 · Cited by 25
“[18]”
Clinical Assessment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lembo, T., & Fink, R. N. (2002) · Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology · doi:10.1097/00004836-200207001-00007 · Cited by 25
Abuse in Women and Men with and without Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Ålander, T., Heimer, G. M., Svärdsudd, K., & Agréus, L. (2007) · Digestive Diseases and Sciences · doi:10.1007/s10620-007-0101-1 · Cited by 24
General practitioners’ perceptions of irritable bowel syndrome: a Q-methodological study
Bradley, S. H., Alderson, S. L., Ford, A. C., & Foy, R. (2017) · Family Practice · doi:10.1093/fampra/cmx053 · Cited by 24
“In the UK, IBS is mainly managed in primary care (14), therefore this study explored the perceptions of GPs.”
Background
Appropriateness of colonoscopy in Europe (EPAGE II) – Functional bowel disorders: pain, constipation and bloating
Filliettaz, S. S., Gonvers, J. J., Peytremann‐Bridevaux, I., Arditi, C., Delvaux, M. M., Numans, M. E., Lorenzo‐Zúñiga, V., Dubois, R., Juillerat, P., Burnand, B., et al. (2009) · Endoscopy · doi:10.1055/s-0028-1119625 · Cited by 24
“In the general population, about 10% – 30% of adults have symptoms consistent with IBS, and most studies show a preponderance of females[10 – 13].”
Rome I criteria are more sensitive than Rome II for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome in Indian patients.
Banerjee, R., Ong, W. C., Gupta, R., Tandan, M., Lakhtakia, S., Rao, G. V., & Reddy, D. N. (2005) · PubMed · Cited by 24
Rational investigations in irritable bowel syndrome
Black, C. J., & Ford, A. C. (2019) · Frontline Gastroenterology · doi:10.1136/flgastro-2019-101211 · Cited by 23
“8 Consequently, patients with IBS account for between 10% and 25% of a gastroenterol-ogist’s workload in the outpatient clinic.”
Background
UEG Week 2016 Poster Presentations
Dargienė, G., Kupčinskas, J., Jonaitis, L. V., Urbonas, V., Aužbikienė, R., Frandsen, T. H., Kučinskienė, R., Kaduševičius, E., Kupčinskas, L., & Andersen, L. P. (2016) · United European Gastroenterology Journal · doi:10.1177/2050640616663689 · Cited by 26
Blastocystis Hominis and Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children: Is there an Association between Them?
Monjaráz, E. M. T., Luna, M. A. V., Barrios, E. M., Bustamante, R. C., Zárate-Mondragón, F. E., Anaya, A. H., León, J. C., Cázares-Méndez, M., López-Ugalde, M., & Ramírez-Mayans, J. A. (2017) · Journal of Tropical Pediatrics · doi:10.1093/tropej/fmx060 · Cited by 23
“However, it is possible that there are several related factors such as a disrupted intestinal reactivity in response to luminal or psychological stimuli, visceral afferent hypersensitivity and intestinal hypersensitivity to pain [12].”
Background
Effect of diet and individual dietary guidance on gastrointestinal endocrine cells in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (Review)
Mazzawi, T. R. E., & El‐Salhy, M. (2017) · International Journal of Molecular Medicine · doi:10.3892/ijmm.2017.3096 · Cited by 23
“IBS is reportedly the most commonly diagnosed disorder of the GI in general practice (12), being an even more common reason for seeking medical care than diabetes, hypertension or asthma (13-15).”
Background
Nongastrointestinal Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Office-Based Clinical Survey
Hershfield, N. (2005) · Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1155/2005/978794 · Cited by 24
“Although women are more likely than men to use health care resources (38), this does not explain the preponderance of women who are identified with IBS symptoms in population studies and clinical settings, especially in referral practices (39-43).”
Background
High Frequency of Chronic Bacterial and Non-Inflammatory Prostatitis in Infertile Patients with Prostatitis Syndrome Plus Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Vicari, E. S. D., Vignera, S. L., Arcoria, D., Condorelli, R. A., Vicari, L. O., Castiglione, R., Mangiameli, A., & Calogero, A. E. (2011) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018647 · Cited by 23
“2% in The Netherlands to 12% in Italy and the UK [10,11].”
Background
Irritable bowel syndrome in general practice: an overview
Woolthuis, A. H. O.-K., Brummer, R. J., de Wit, N. J., Muris, J. W. M., & Stockbrügger, R. W. (2004) · Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1080/00855920410010942 · Cited by 23
“Factors found to help a GP in making the diagnosis were unexplainable symptoms and patients with poly-symptomatology (14).”
BackgroundInfluential
Probióticos y aparato digestivo. Evidencias actuales
Mearin, F., Guarner, F., & Verdu, E. F. (2009) · Gastroenterología y Hepatología · doi:10.1016/s0210-5705(09)71003-9 · Cited by 22
Effects of a health program comprising reassurance, diet management, probiotics administration and regular exercise on symptoms and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
El‐Salhy, M., Lillebø, E., Reinemo, A., Salmelid, L., & Hausken, T. (2010) · Gastroenterology Insights · doi:10.4081/gi.2010.e6 · Cited by 22
“An effective physician-patient relationship giving reassurance and providing a thorough explanation of the IBS disorder has been found to reduce the use of health care and diminishes the fear of cancer.(43-45) A fifteen minute thorough oral explanation of the diagnosis and the underlying mechanism of IBS, and a comple…”
Background
Using best practice to create a pathway to improve management of irritable bowel syndrome: aiming for timely diagnosis, effective treatment and equitable care
Williams, M., Barclay, Y., Benneyworth, R., Gore, S., Hamilton, Z., Matull, R., Phillips, I., Seamark, L., Staveley, K., Thole, S., et al. (2016) · Frontline Gastroenterology · doi:10.1136/flgastro-2016-100727 · Cited by 22
The management of irritable bowel syndrome: a European, primary and secondary care collaboration
Thompson, W., Hungin, A. P. S., Neri, M., Holtmann, G., Sofos Kontoyannis, S., Delvaux, M. M., & Caballero-Plasencia, A. M. (2001) · European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology · doi:10.1097/00042737-200108000-00010 · Cited by 22
Self-citation
Relevance and needs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Comparison with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). (Please, if you are not interested in IBS, read it.)
Mearin, F., Sans, M., & Balboa, A. (2022) · Gastroenterología y Hepatología (English Edition) · doi:10.1016/j.gastre.2021.12.008 · Cited by 21
Cost-effectiveness of faecal calprotectin used in primary care in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease
Zhang, W., Wong, C. H., Chavannes, M., Mohammadi, T., & Rosenfeld, G. A. (2019) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027043 · Cited by 21
The Role of Psyllium Fibre Supplementation: In Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Chouinard, L. E. (2011) · Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research · doi:10.3148/72.1.2011.48 · Cited by 21
The Use of Probiotics in Functional Bowel Disease
Quigley, E. M. M. (2005) · Gastroenterology Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/j.gtc.2005.05.008 · Cited by 20
“IBS may lead to impaired social and personal function and can diminish quality of life to a degree usually associated with major organic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes [4,5].”
Background
Colon capsule endoscopy
MacLeod, C., Monaghan, E., Banerjee, A. K., Jenkinson, P. W., Falconer, R., Ramsay, G., & Watson, A. J. M. (2020) · The Surgeon · doi:10.1016/j.surge.2020.01.008 · Cited by 20
The Validity of Somatic Symptom Disorder in Patients With Gastrointestinal Complaints
Berens, S., Schaefert, R., Ehrenthal, J. C., Baumeister, D., Gauss, A., Eich, W., & Tesarz, J. (2021) · Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology · doi:10.1097/mcg.0000000000001505 · Cited by 22
How to raise the interest for neurogastroenterology among young gastroenterologists?
Melchior, C., Nuzzo, A., & Keszthelyi, D. (2021) · United European Gastroenterology Journal · doi:10.1002/ueg2.12174 · Cited by 20
“DGBIs are also the most frequent cause of consultation in patients presenting gastrointestinal symptoms in general practice.(2) The lack of interest in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), one of the more well‐known DGBIs, is blatant and imbalance with patients' expectations.”
Celiac Disease—A Complex Disorder
Koehler, P., Wieser, H., & Konitzer, K. (2014) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-420220-7.00001-8 · Cited by 20
Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome using a selected herbal combination of iraqi folk medicines
Sahib, A. S. (2013) · Journal of Ethnopharmacology · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2013.05.034 · Cited by 20
“Because of low levels of satisfaction that have been reported for current treatments of IBS (Thompson et al., 2000), the adverse effects that are associated with the medications that are used, and the lack of a cure for this disorder, 50% of patients with IBS worldwide have turned to complementary…”
Homeopathy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Peckham, E. J., Cooper, K. L., Roberts, E. R., Agrawal, A., Brabyn, S., & Tew, G. A. (2019) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd009710.pub3 · Cited by 21
“Lower gastrointestinal tract disorders account for one in 20 of all general practice consultations in the UK (Thompson 2000).”
Background
Treatment of psychological co-morbidities in common gastrointestinal and hepatologic disorders
Mikocka‐Walus, A. A. (2010) · World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics · doi:10.4292/wjgpt.v1.i2.64 · Cited by 19
Significant psychological morbidity occurs in irritable bowel syndrome: a case‐control study using a pharmacy reimbursement database
Canavan, J. B., Bennett, K., Feely, J., O'Morain, C. A., & O'Connor, H. J. (2008) · Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03893.x · Cited by 19
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Primary Care: Is There a Link?
Ruigómez, A., Wallander, M.-A. A., Johansson, S., & Rodríguez, L. A. G. (2008) · Digestive Diseases and Sciences · doi:10.1007/s10620-008-0462-0 · Cited by 19
“The guidelines used to assign these diagnostic labels may have changed over time, and where definitions or specific diagnostic criteria do exist, PCPs may not apply them [2, 47–49].”
Background
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Gender, Infection, Lifestyle or What Else?
Spiller, R. (2011) · Digestive Diseases · doi:10.1159/000323924 · Cited by 19
“and hence increased serotonin availability. Role of StressMany IBS patients report that stress aggravates their symptoms [”
Background
Predictors of a Functional Somatic Syndrome Diagnosis in Patients with Persistent Functional Somatic Symptoms
Kingma, E. M., de Jonge, P., Ormel, J., & Rosmalen, J. G. M. (2012) · International Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12529-012-9251-4 · Cited by 19
“A previous study also indicated that the number of symptoms, but also the duration of symptoms, predicted a specific FSS diagnosis [25].”
Background
Low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polypols diet and irritable bowel syndrome in Asia
Zhang, Y., Feei, Z., Zhang, H., Pan, B., Li, Y., Majid, H. A., & Lee, Y. Y. (2018) · JGH Open · doi:10.1002/jgh3.12125 · Cited by 18
Síndrome del intestino irritable: nuevos criterios de Roma III
Mearin, F. (2007) · Medicina Clínica · doi:10.1157/13099805 · Cited by 18
Relative risk of irritable bowel syndrome following acute gastroenteritis and associated risk factors
Kowalcyk, B. B., Smeets, H. M., Succop, P., de Wit, N. J., & Havelaar, A. H. (2013) · Epidemiology and Infection · doi:10.1017/s0950268813001891 · Cited by 18
“IBS causes significant morbidity, places substantial burden on healthcare systems and can greatly affect quality of life [10–17].”
Background
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – Possible role in determining the existence of the low grade inflammation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients
Hauser, G., Tkalčić, M., Pletikosić, S., Grabar, N., & Štimac, D. (2012) · Medical Hypotheses · doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2012.03.020 · Cited by 18
“It is a non life threatening disease, does not require surgery and has no influence on life expectancy although the impact of IBS on patients’ lives and work productivity is great [2].”
Background
Abdominal complaints in general practiceDiagnoses and characteristics of patients
Vandvik, P. O., Kristensen, P., Aabakken, L., & Farup, P. G. (2004) · Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care · doi:10.1080/02813430410006503 · Cited by 18
“At least half of these consultations are for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (1,2).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Management of irritable bowel syndrome
Silk, D. B. A. (2003) · European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology · doi:10.1097/00042737-200306000-00016 · Cited by 18
The rationale for antidepressant therapy in functional gastrointestinal disorders
Castle, M. Z. D., Silk, D. B. A., & Libby, G. (2004) · Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01879.x · Cited by 17
Male Accessory Gland Infection Frequency in Infertile Patients With Chronic Microbial Prostatitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Transrectal Ultrasound Examination Helps to Understand the Links
Vicari, E. S. D., Calogero, A. E., Condorelli, R. A., Vicari, L. O., & Vignera, S. L. (2012) · Journal of Andrology · doi:10.2164/jandrol.111.014654 · Cited by 18
“The symptoms have to be present for at least 3 months and evidence for an organic underlying cause must be excluded to establish the diagnosis (Thompson et al, 2000; Brandt et al, 2002; Drossman et al, 2002; Hungin et al, 2005).”
Background
High negative predictive value of a normal faecal calprotectin in patients with symptomatic intestinal disease
Turvill, J. L. (2011) · Frontline Gastroenterology · doi:10.1136/flgastro-2011-100011 · Cited by 17
Cortisol levels in hair are altered in irritable bowel syndrome - A case control study in primary care
Norlin, A., Walter, S., Theodorsson, E., Tegelstrom, V., Grodzinsky, E., Jones, M., & Faresjö, Å. (2016) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.12.009 · Cited by 18
“It has a female predominance and the majority is diagnosed in primary care [1,2].”
Background
S3-Leitlinie Reizdarmsyndrom: Definition, Pathophysiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie. Gemeinsame Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurogastroenterologie und Motilität (DGNM) 1 AWMF-Registriernummer: 021/016 Irritable Bowel Syndrome: German Consensus Guidelines on Definition, Pathophysiology and Management. German Society of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) and German Society of Neurogastroenterology …
Andresen, V., Pehl, C., Allescher, H. ‐., Bischoff, S. C., Enck, P., Frieling, T., Haag, S., Holtmann, G., Karaus, M., Keller, J., et al. (2011) · Cited by 17
Gastrointestinal symptoms - an illness burden that affects daily work in patients with IBS
Faresjö, Å., Walter, S., Norlin, A., Faresjö, T., & Jones, M. P. (2019) · Health and Quality of Life Outcomes · doi:10.1186/s12955-019-1174-1 · Cited by 22
Illness Schema and Level of Reported Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Crane, C., & Martin, M. (2003) · Cognitive Therapy and Research · doi:10.1023/a:1023561226173 · Cited by 17
“Further, of this health-care–seeking group a proportion will become severely affected by symptoms (Corney & Stanton, 1990), with approximately 20% of IBS patients being referred to outpatient clinics and 9% to surgeons for further investigation (Thompson et al., 2000).”
Background
Sex and gender in irritable bowel syndrome
Fukudo, S. (2006) · Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1007/s00535-006-1859-1 · Cited by 17
The irritable bowel syndrome
Hasler, W. L. (2002) · Medical Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/s0025-7125(02)00086-x · Cited by 16
Irritable bowel syndrome: evaluation and treatment
Somers, S. C., & Lembo, A. J. (2003) · Gastroenterology Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/s0889-8553(03)00022-0 · Cited by 16
“Many patients with IBS also have extraintestinal symptoms including urinary frequency and urgency [23], sexual dysfunction [24], fibromyalgia [25], dyspareunia [18], poor sleep [26], menstrual difficulties [27], lower back pain [18], headaches [16], chronic fatigue [18], and insomnia [28].”
Background
Using acceptance and commitment therapy in irritable bowel syndrome
Bravo Ferreira, N., Eugenicos, M., Graham Morris, P., & Gillanders, D. (2011) · Gastrointestinal Nursing · doi:10.12968/gasn.2011.9.9.28 · Cited by 15
Illness-Related Parenting in Mothers with Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Crane, C., & Martin, M. (2004) · The American Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2004.04137.x · Cited by 15
“It is accepted that people who seek treatment for IBS, and particularly those who become frequent attenders at outpatient clinics, are not representative of all individuals who report IBS-like symptoms when questioned, with patients more frequently displaying increased illness behavior, marked psychological distress (…”
Background
Using read codes to identify patients with irritable bowel syndrome in general practice: a database study
Harkness, E. F., Grant, L., O’Brien, S. J., Chew-Graham, C. A., & Thompson, D. G. (2013) · BMC Family Practice · doi:10.1186/1471-2296-14-183 · Cited by 15
“Nevertheless the consultation prevalence for IBS was much lower than expected and the literature suggests that GPs see IBS as a significant problem [12].”
Background
Rectal Visceral Sensitivity in Women with Irritable Bowel Syndrome without Psychiatric Comorbidity Compared with Healthy Volunteers
Spetalen, S., Sandvik, L., Blomhoff, S., & Jacobsen, M. (2009) · Gastroenterology Research and Practice · doi:10.1155/2009/130684 · Cited by 15
“We have only been able to identify one study of rectal sensitivity in community IBS patients [44] although only 17–30% of IBS patients in general practice are referred to specialists [45, 46].”
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome in primary care appear not to be heavy healthcare utilizers
FARESJÖ, Å., GRODZINSKY, E., FOLDEVI, M., JOHANSSON, S., & WALLANDER, M. ‐. (2006) · Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02815.x · Cited by 14
Ghrelin in gastrointestinal disease
Jeffery, P. L., McDonald, V., Tippett, E., & McGuckin, M. A. (2011) · Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.mce.2011.03.002 · Cited by 14
Symptoms and Syndromes
Thompson, G. W. (2010) · The American Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1038/ajg.2010.7 · Cited by 14
Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease: infectious gastroenteritis-related disorders?
Ishihara, S., Aziz, M., Oshima, N., Mishima, Y., Imaoka, H., Moriyama, I., & Kinoshita, Y. (2009) · Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology · doi:10.1007/s12328-008-0051-y · Cited by 14
“Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional intestinal disorder that is characterized by relapsing abdominal pain and discomfort associated with altered bowel habits, in the absence of organic or biochemical abnormalities [ 1 , 2]. Although IBS is not directly related to an increase in mortality, it leads to…”
Background
Number of Responses on a Review of Systems Questionnaire Predicts the Diagnosis of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Brown, W. H., Chey, W. D., & Elta, G. H. (2003) · Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology · doi:10.1097/00004836-200303000-00008 · Cited by 13
“A recent study involving primary care physicians from the United Kingdom reported that IBS patients were more likely to have “unexplained symptoms” and be “polysymptomatic” than those with organic disease.(20) They also felt that these characteristics helped them to differentiate patients with functional disease from…”
Background
Common misconceptions and controversies in the management of irritable bowel syndrome
Black, C. J., Olano, C., Quigley, E. M. M., & Ford, A. C. (2025) · Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology · doi:10.1038/s41575-025-01065-9 · Cited by 13
“In clinical practice most patients are managed in primary care 119 .”
Implementation of a diagnostic tool for symptomatic colorectal cancer in primary care: a feasibility study
Khan, N. (2009) · Primary Health Care Research & Development · doi:10.1017/s1463423608000996 · Cited by 13
“…general practitioner (GP) with a list size of 2000 patients will see common gastroenterological symptoms on a weekly basis, but will only see approximately one new case of colorectal cancer each year (Dent et al., 1986; Crosland and Jones, 1995; Chaplin et al., 2000; Thompson et al., 2000).”
Background
Review article: diagnostic and therapeutic approach to persistent abdominal pain beyond irritable bowel syndrome
Coffin, B., & Duboc, H. (2022) · Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics · doi:10.1111/apt.17064 · Cited by 15
Translational Gap between Guidelines and Clinical Medicine: The Viewpoint of Italian General Practitioners in the Management of IBS
Bellini, M., Tosetti, C., Rettura, F., Morganti, R., Lambiase, C., Bassotti, G., Visaggi, P., Pancetti, A., Benedetto, E., de Bortoli, N., et al. (2022) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm11133861 · Cited by 13
Strategies for Producing Low FODMAPs Foodstuffs: Challenges and Perspectives
Galgano, F., Mele, M. C., Tolve, R., Condelli, N., Cairano, M. D., Ianiro, G., D’Antuono, I., & Favati, F. (2023) · Foods · doi:10.3390/foods12040856 · Cited by 13
Infection as a cause of irritable bowel syndrome
Spiller, R. E. (2003) · Hospital Medicine · doi:10.12968/hosp.2003.64.5.1758 · Cited by 13
Colorectal cancer--applying a gender lens.
Oberoi, D. V., Jiwa, M., McManus, A., & Hodder, R. J. (2014) · PubMed · Cited by 13
How general practitioners manage patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Data from a German urban area.
Franke, A., Singer, M. V., & Dumitrascu, D. L. (2009) · PubMed · Cited by 13
Guía de práctica clínica sobre el síndrome del intestino irritable
Tort, S., Balboa, A., Marzo‐Castillejo, M., Muñoz, R. C., Mínguez, M., Valdepérez, J., Alonso‐Coello, P., Mascort, J. J., Ferrándiz, J., Bonfill, X., et al. (2006) · Gastroenterología y Hepatología · doi:10.1157/13092567 · Cited by 15
Randomized patients in IBS research had different disease characteristics compared to eligible and recruited patients
Bijkerk, C. J., Muris, J. W. M., Knottnerus, J. A., Hoes, A. W., & de Wit, N. J. (2008) · Journal of Clinical Epidemiology · doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2008.02.001 · Cited by 13
Pharmacological Treatment of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Other Functional Bowel Disorders
Mearin, F. (2006) · Digestion · doi:10.1159/000089777 · Cited by 13
“These diseases also represent an important percentage of consultations in primary care (approx. 5p of all visits) [”
Background
Male accessory gland infection frequency in infertile patients with chronic microbial prostatitis and irritable bowel syndrome
Vicari, E. S. D., Calogero, A. E., Condorelli, R. A., Vicari, L. O., & Vignera, S. L. (2011) · International Journal of Andrology · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01216.x · Cited by 13
Referral challenges for early-onset colorectal cancer: a qualitative study in UK primary care
O'Neill, O. M., Coleman, H. G., & Reid, H. (2023) · BJGP Open · doi:10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0123 · Cited by 13
“Lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms account for one in twelve consultations in primary care, reflecting the common nature of GI complaints.(18) The overlap in symptomatology when patients present with undifferentiated symptoms shared with benign illness further contributes to the complexity of diagnosing cancer…”
Background

Authors: Thompson, W. G., Heaton, K. W., Smyth, G. T., & Smyth, C.
Affiliations: University of Ottawa (CA)
Corresponding author: Thompson, W G
ORCID: Thompson, W G
Venue: Gut
Publisher: BMJ
Published: 2000-01-01
Volume: 46
Issue: 1
Pages: 78-82
ISSN: 0017-5749 (ISSN-L)
1468-3288
DOI: 10.1136/gut.46.1.78
PMC: PMC1727778
OpenAlex: W2137007351
Cited by: 477
References: 21
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 17 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 22 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 22
FWCI: 25.59
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: bronze
doi.org
Locations: Gut (publishedVersion)
Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
HighWire Press Open Archive (submittedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Gastroenterology › Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Infant Health and Development
Keywords: irritable bowel syndrome, functional bowel disorders, general practice, prevalence, specialist referral, fear of cancer, diagnostic criteria, proctitis
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Attitude to Health, Colonic Diseases, Functional, England, Family Practice, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Male, Mass Screening, Middle Aged, Neoplasms, Referral and Consultation, Cohort Studies, Prevalence

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review

Irritable bowel syndrome in general practice: prevalence, characteristics, and referral

Abstract

Overview

Integrity signals

Verification

Claims the paper makes

Claims other papers make about this one

Self-check

Citations

Cites

Cited by

Related

Metadata

Record

About these checks