Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
-
Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. · Jan 2009
Prevalence, characteristics, and impact of bloating symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Bloating symptoms are common in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) seen in primary care and gastrointestinal clinics. However, the underlying mechanisms of IBS are poorly understood, and there are few data available about the epidemiology of this syndrome or the impact of its symptoms. We investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of bloating symptoms in patients with IBS. ⋯ Bloating symptoms are common in patients with IBS, and their prevalence and relative severity differ on the basis of sex and IBS subtype. Bloating symptoms are associated with a decrease in the quality of life and increases in health care utilization and use of medications.