What condition is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both. This condition typically presents with a combination of symptoms that can be exacerbated by stress or certain dietary choices, but does not involve structural or biochemical abnormalities that can be observed in other gastrointestinal diseases.

In IBS, the chronic abdominal pain often correlates with bowel movements, either increasing or decreasing in severity depending on the individual's bowel habits. This patient-reported symptom profile differentiates IBS from other gastrointestinal conditions. For example, while conditions like hepatitis and diverticulosis can affect bowel habits, they typically present with additional symptoms such as jaundice and diverticular inflammation or infections, respectively. Gastric ulcers, on the other hand, primarily result in pain related to food intake and do not specifically involve changes in bowel habits. Therefore, IBS is specifically recognized for these distinctive chronic symptoms.