Given its high prevalence and the chronic course of disease, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) represents an important clinical picture for general practioners. IBS is primarily characterized by chronic recurrent abdominal pain and changes in stool habits which are not explained by pathological findings in routine diagnostic procedures. The etiology of IBS seems to be multifactorial with both intrinsic and extrinsic aspects. Main pathophysiological alterations associated with IBS are changes in gastrointestinal motility and in perception and modulation of visceral pain. The therapeutic options how to treat IBS patients are primarily symptomatic. Given potential adverse effects of causally oriented treatment strategies, the latter ones are yet limited.