Persistent bloating is one of the most common digestive symptoms experienced by Australians, yet many people accept it as normal. While occasional bloating can be related to diet or lifestyle, ongoing symptoms deserve medical assessment.

If you've been told your test results are “normal” but you're still dealing with pain, bloating, unpredictable bowel habits, or discomfort that affects your daily life — you're not imagining it.

What you may be experiencing is a functional bowel disorder, and it is both real and treatable.

Most Australians will experience constipation at some point in their life. When constipation becomes an ongoing problem, it may be hard to know when to see a doctor.

So when does constipation cross the line from inconvenient to something that deserves proper medical attention?