Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel habit. Sensations of discomfort (bloating), distension, and disordered defecation are commonly associated features. Its difficult to diagnose and manage. It affects about 10-12% of the population globally.
According to the Rome III criteria by the Rome Foundation, IBS may be classified on the basis of the patient’s stool characteristics, as defined by the Bristol Stool Scale:
1. IBS with constipation (IBS-C):
Hard stools > 25% of the time and loose stools < 25% of the time
This is accompanied by stomach pain and discomfort, bloating, abnormally delayed or infrequent bowel movement, or lumpy/hard stool. This is typically seen more commonly in women
2. IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D):
Loose stools > 25% of the time and hard stools < 25% of the time
Accompanied by stomach pain and discomfort, an urgent need to move your bowels, abnormally frequent bowel movements, or loose/watery stool. This is more commonly seen in men
3. IBS with mixed bowel habits or cyclic pattern (IBS-M):
Both hard and soft stools > 25% of the time
4. Un-subtyped IBS
Sometimes patients do not meet any of the above criteria.
Sometimes patients can transition between these subtypes as well.
Changed
22/Apr/2025
Condition
