H. pylori can also increase the risk of stomach cancer - anyone with a family history of stomach cancer should also ask their doctor about having a test. It could be irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms can include bloating and abdominal pain, as well as diarrhoea or constipation. These symptoms come and go, with attacks lasting for days or weeks. Doctors don't really know what causes IBS, but sometimes it can be triggered by stress or a gastric infection.
Food can be a factor too, but different foods affect different people.
For some people, IBS can be improved by eating fibre-rich foods, for example. IBS isn't serious, but it can be distressing. A doctor can give advice on how to cope with the symptoms. But sometimes symptoms like abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements can be a sign of more serious problems. See a doctor promptly if you have other symptoms such as blood in the bowel motions, or weight loss, or if you're over 40 and your symptoms have come on suddenly, or if you have a family history of bowel cancer.