Thomas P. Broughan
Question:230 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the recorded incidence of irritable bowl syndrome since statistics were first recorded. [15116/98]
Written Answers. - Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
A direct measure of the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, within the community is not available since this condition is not categorised either as a notifiable disease or as part of any formal registration system. In addition, IBS can be difficult to diagnose with precision and symptoms can range from mild to severe. To the extent that irritable bowel syndrome may require hospitalisation, information is available through the hospital in-patient enquiry, HIPE, system which collects statistics on all patients discharged from publicly-funded acute hospitals. During the last four years HIPE has achieved close to 100 per cent coverage. Figures for 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 show, respectively, 1,383, 1,503, 1,521 and 1,527 cases where a principal diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome was recorded.