Irritable bowel syndrome (functional bowel)

Alternative names:

functional colitis; functional dyspepsia; intestinal neurosis; irritable colon; laxative colitis; mucous colitis; nervous indigestion; pylorospasm; spastic colitis; spastic colon

Symptoms:

• diarrhea alternating with constipation for 6 months or more
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
  • following meals
  • relieved by bowel movement
  • intermittent

• abdominal tenderness
• abdominal fullness, gaseous, bloating
• abdominal distention
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• emotional distress
• depression

Signs and tests:

• characteristic history
• tests usually reveal no abnormalities