Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Chronic abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and stool irregularity are common symptoms in primary care and gastroenterology. A routine diagnostic evaluation fails to reveal any underlying somatic condition in about half of the affected patients, who are therefore said to have a functional bowel disorder. Physicians are often unsure how extensive the work-up must be to exclude a somatic cause. ⋯ The diagnosis of a functional bowel disorder is based on a thorough history (positive criteria) and a small battery of diagnostic tests to exclude somatic disease. Both the diagnostic assessment and the treatment should be carried out in accordance with published guidelines.