What gastrointestinal condition is characterized by abdominal discomfort related to eating?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal discomfort that is often related to eating. This condition is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning that it affects the way the gastrointestinal tract functions without any identifiable physical cause. People with IBS typically experience a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation). The pain and discomfort associated with IBS can frequently be triggered or worsened by certain foods, meals, or stress, which highlights the connection between eating and symptoms in this condition.

In contrast, while peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also involve abdominal discomfort, their primary symptoms are more directly tied to stomach acid and specific types of pain rather than the broader range of symptoms seen in IBS. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves more significant inflammation and structural changes in the digestive tract, often resulting in more severe symptoms than those found in IBS.