Which condition may present with constipation or diarrhea and is characterized by intermittent cramping abdominal pain?

• A. Enteritis
• B. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• C. Diverticulitis
• D. IBD

Answer: (B)

Recognizing irritable bowel syndrome as a functional disorder is key. IBS can present with either constipation, diarrhea, or a mixed pattern, and the abdominal pain is usually cramping and intermittent. Importantly, there is no detectable structural disease, and the symptoms often fluctuate with stress or meals and may improve after a bowel movement or a change in stool form.

Infectious enteritis typically causes acute diarrhea with fever and dehydration. Diverticulitis usually presents as localized lower abdominal pain (often left-sided) with fever and leukocytosis. Inflammatory bowel disease involves chronic diarrhea that can include blood, weight loss, and systemic symptoms, reflecting inflammation of the intestinal lining. The combination of alternating bowel habits and intermittent cramping pain without systemic signs best fits irritable bowel syndrome.