Abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea in the United States: prevalence and impact

Dig Dis Sci. 2000 Jun;45(6):1166-71. doi: 10.1023/a:1005554103531.

Abstract

The prevalence and impact of abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea in the adult US population are largely unknown. We conducted a national, cross-sectional, telephone survey of US households to provide estimates of the frequency, duration, severity, and impact of specific digestive symptoms during the previous month. A total of 2510 subjects completed interviews (70.7% response rate). Among the respondents, 1017 (40.5%) reported one or more digestive symptoms within the month before the interview, including abdominal pain or discomfort 21.8%, bloating or distension 15.9%, and diarrhea or loose stools 26.9%. Women were more likely than men to report abdominal pain or discomfort (24.4% vs 17.5%) and bloating or distension (19.2% vs 10.5%), but not diarrhea or loose stools (27.1% vs 26.7%). Symptoms were less common among those > or =60 years of age. More than 65% of respondents rated symptoms as moderate or severe in intensity, and the majority reported limitations in daily activities. We conclude that digestive symptoms are more common than previously recognized and have a significant impact.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / epidemiology*
  • Abdominal Pain / physiopathology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Diarrhea / epidemiology*
  • Diarrhea / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Sickness Impact Profile
  • United States