IBS Symptom Checklist

Rome II Diagnostic Criteria for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Symptoms that cumulatively support the diagnosis of IBS:
· Relieved with defecation; and/or
· Change in frequency of stool; and/or
· Change in appearance of stool.
· Abnormal stool frequency
· Lumpy/hard or loose/watery stool
· Straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation
· Bloating or feeling of abdominal distension.

Supportive symptoms of IBS:
· Fewer than three bowel movements a week
· More than three bowel movements a day
· Hard or lumpy stools
· Loose (mushy) or watery stools
· Straining during a bowel movement
· Urgency (having to rush to have a bowel movement)
· Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
· Passing mucus (white material) during a bowel movement
· Abdominal fullness, bloating, or swelling

The above criteeria have now been simplified to:

Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

At least 3 months, with onset at least 6 months previously of recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort associated with 2 or more of the following:
· Improvement with defecation; and/or
· Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool; and/or
· Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool

Some symptoms can be mistaken for IBS and must receive immediate medical treatment.

Red flag symptoms which are not typical of IBS:
· Pain that awakens or interferes with sleep
· Diarrhea that awakens or interferes with sleep
· Blood in the stool (visible or occult)
· Weight loss
· Fever
· Abnormal physical examination
If you have any of these symptoms see your doctor immediately. If you have blood in your stool, visit your nearest medical emergency treatment centre immediately.