Definition: Disorders of the digestive system in which symptoms cannot be explained by the presence of structural or tissue abnormality. Examples include irritable bowel syndrome, functional heartburn or functional fecal incontinence.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com
Updated: January 19, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Explore Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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