Definition of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent functional bowel disorder. There have been a number of definitions and classifications of IBS, and the diagnostic criteria have changed over the years. The Manning criteria were developed as the first global symptom- based IBS diagnostic criteria in 1978, followed by Rome I in 1992, Rome II in 1999, and Rome III in 2006. After 10 years, in 2016, the latest version of the Rome IV criteria was published and has been used in clinical practice worldwide. Presently, the Rome IV criteria provide valuable resources to investigators, trainers and clinicians for research, education, and management of IBS.