What is the prevalence of IBS?
IBS affects between 25 and 55 million people in the United States and results in 2.5 to 3.5 million yearly visits to physicians. Approximately 20 to 40 percent of all visits to gastroenterologists are due to IBS symptoms.IBS symptoms affects men and women of all ages and of all races. The prevalence of IBS in the general population of Western countries varies from 6 to 22%. IBS affects 14-24% of women and 5-19% of men. The prevalence is similar in Caucasians and African Americans, but appears to be lower in Hispanics. Although several studies have reported a lower prevalence of IBS among older people, the present studies do not allow to definitely conclude whether or not an age disparity exists in IBS. In non-Western countries such as Japan, China, India, and Africa, IBS also appears to be very common.
IBS affects between 25 and 55 million people in theUnited States and results in 2.5 to 3.5 million yearly visits to physicians. Approximately 20 to 40 percent of all visits to gastroenterologists are due to IBS symptoms. IBS symptoms affects men and women of all ages and of all races. The prevalence of IBS in the general population of Western countries varies from 6 to 22%. IBS affects 14-24% of women and 5-19% of men. The prevalence is similar in Caucasians and African Americans, but appears to be lower in Hispanics. Although several studies have reported a lower prevalence of IBS among older people, the present studies do not allow to definitely conclude whether or not an age disparity exists in IBS. In non-Western countries such asJapan,China,India, and Africa, IBS also appears to be very common.
IBS affects between 25 and 55 million people in the United States and results in 2.5 to 3.5 million yearly visits to physicians. Approximately 20 to 40 percent of all visits to gastroenterologists are due to IBS symptoms. IBS symptoms affects men and women of all ages and of all races. The prevalence of IBS in the general population of Western countries varies from 6 to 22%. IBS affects 14-24% of women and 5-19% of men. The prevalence is similar in Caucasians and African Americans, but appears to be lower in Hispanics. Although several studies have reported a lower prevalence of IBS among older people, the present studies do not allow to definitely conclude whether or not an age disparity exists in IBS. In non-Western countries such as Japan, China, India, and Africa, IBS also appears to be very common.
