Criteria for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome

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Criteria for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome

Experts on digestive diseases developed these criteria, known as the Rome II criteria, to help doctors determine whether symptoms are caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).¹ IBS is indicated if you have had (either continuously or off and on) abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 12 weeks during the past year and at least two of the following describe your pain:

• Relieved when you pass a stool
• Associated with a change in how often you pass stool
• Associated with a change in the consistency of your stool

Having any of the following symptoms supports the diagnosis of IBS.

• A change in how often you pass stool (more than 3 times per day or less than 3 times per week)
• A change in the form of your stool (such as lumpy and hard or watery and loose)
• A change in the way stool passes (you may have to strain, you may feel an urgent need to pass stool, or you may feel like you have not completely passed a stool)
• Passing of mucus in the stool
• Bloating or a feeling like your stomach is stretched out

These criteria are used along with a medical history and physical examination to help your doctor determine whether you have IBS.

References

Citations

1. Thompson WG, et al. (1999). Functional bowel disorders and functional abdominal pain. Gut, 45(Suppl II): II43–II47.

Credits

Last updated:	June 15, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman