Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 11% of the global population. The diagnostic criteria for IBS vary, with the Rome criteria being the most widely used, but these criteria have modest specificity and sensitivity. The prevalence of IBS is higher in women than in men, and it is more common in younger age groups. IBS is not associated with increased mortality, but it is linked to other functional conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The natural history of IBS includes symptom fluctuation and the development of comorbidities, with a significant proportion of patients experiencing prolonged periods of symptom-free periods. Misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery are common, and IBS patients are more likely to undergo invasive procedures compared to the general population. The epidemiological burden of IBS highlights the need for improved diagnosis and management to optimize healthcare utilization and address the impact on patients' quality of life.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 11% of the global population. The diagnostic criteria for IBS vary, with the Rome criteria being the most widely used, but these criteria have modest specificity and sensitivity. The prevalence of IBS is higher in women than in men, and it is more common in younger age groups. IBS is not associated with increased mortality, but it is linked to other functional conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The natural history of IBS includes symptom fluctuation and the development of comorbidities, with a significant proportion of patients experiencing prolonged periods of symptom-free periods. Misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery are common, and IBS patients are more likely to undergo invasive procedures compared to the general population. The epidemiological burden of IBS highlights the need for improved diagnosis and management to optimize healthcare utilization and address the impact on patients' quality of life.