Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review of Recent Advances in Understanding and Treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. Although the exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, growing evidence suggests that disturbances in the brain–gut–microbiota axis play an important role in its pathogenesis. Factors such as stress, altered gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, immune activation, and dysbiosis contribute to the development and persistence of symptoms. IBS is classified into different subtypes, including constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, mixed, and unclassified forms, and diagnosis is mainly based on the Rome IV criteria after excluding organic diseases. Recent advances in research have highlighted the importance of gut microbiota and psychosocial factors in disease progression and symptom severity. Management of IBS involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, pharmacological therapy, psychological interventions, and probiotics to improve symptom control and overall quality of life. This review discusses the recent advances in the understanding, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS, with particular emphasis on the role of the brain–gut–microbiota axis and individualized treatment strategies.