A 20-year-old engineering student complains of episodes of abdominal discomfort,bloating,and episodes of diarrhea.The symptoms usually occur after eating,and pain is frequently relieved with bowel movement.She is on a "celiac diet" and the episodic symptoms persist.Physical examination and diagnostic tests are negative.Colonoscopy is negative for any abnormalities.This is a history and physical consistent with:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described in the question, particularly the relief of pain with bowel movement, are classic for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The negative physical exam and diagnostic tests, including colonoscopy, also point away from other possible gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Laxative abuse and norovirus gastroenteritis are unlikely given the chronicity of symptoms described. Being on a "celiac diet" suggests that the patient has been evaluated for celiac disease, which can have similar symptoms to IBS, but the persistence of symptoms despite adherence to the diet also supports the diagnosis of IBS.

A 20-Year-Old Engineering Student Complains of Episodes of Abdominal Discomfort,bloating,and