Questionnaire/history:

For consideration of IBS:

For a least 6 months:

- Abdominal pain?

- Bloating?

- Change in bowel habit?

For diagnosis:

Abdominal pain which is either:

- Related to defecation?

- Associated with altered stool frequency?

- Associated with altered stool form or appearance (hard, lumpy, loose or watery)?

+ at least 2 of the following?

- Altered stool passage (straining, urgency or incomplete evacuation)?

- Abdominal bloating, distension or hardness?

- Symptoms worsened by eating?

- Passage of rectal mucus?

- Alternative conditions with similar symptoms have been excluded?

Past medical history?

Current medication?

Drug allergies?

Examination:

Weight?

Height?

BMI?

Abdomen?

Rectal exam (with patient's consent)?

Investigations:

FBC, ESR, CRP, coeliac screen?

Management

Reference(s):

NICE CKS: Irritable bowel syndrome

Information for patients/carers:

NHS Health A to Z: What is IBS?

Patient UK: Irritable bowel syndrome