International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both. Despite the absence of structural or biochemical abnormalities, IBS significantly affects the quality of life and imposes a considerable socioeconomic burden. The exact aetiology remains multifactorial, involving gut-brain axis dysregulation, altered intestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, microbiome imbalance, dietary triggers, and psychological stress. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, guided by the Rome IV criteria, after excluding organic diseases. Management is multidisciplinary and includes dietary modification, pharmacological agents, psychological therapies, and complementary approaches like homoeopathy, probiotics, and lifestyle interventions. Emerging therapies targeting microbiota and neuromodulation are under research. This article reviews the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management strategies for IBS, emphasizing a holistic patient-centered approach.