IBS Quiz

Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 10-15% of the population worldwide.  The condition is more common in females than males and is most common in people in their 20s.  IBS symptoms can mimic the symptoms of other GI conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. The quiz below can help you determine if you should see your doctor to explore your GI symptoms further. Regardless of the results of this self-test, if your symptoms are impeding on your quality of life, see your doctor. It’s important to find the root cause of what is causing your pain to be able to properly treat it!

IBS Quiz Questions

Disclaimer: A self-test does not confirm an IBS diagnosis. To confirm a diagnosis of IBS, contact your doctor.  If you would like to pursue a multidisciplinary approach to treating diagnosed IBS, our dietitians would love to be part of your team. 

Give yourself one point for each question you answer “yes” to.

1. Have you had abdominal pain for at least 3 months?
   1. Yes
   2. No
2. Do you experience abdominal pain at least 3 days per week or more?
   1. Yes
   2. No
3. Do you experience frequent Diarrhea?
   1. Yes
   2. No
4. Do You experience frequent Constipation?
   1. Yes
   2. No
5. Do you experience alternating bouts of both Diarrhea and Constipation?
   1. Yes
   2. No
6. Do you experience frequent bloating?
   1. Yes
   2. No
7. Do you experience excessive or extremely odorous gas?
   1. Yes
   2. No
8. Do you commonly avoid foods because they cause pain?
   1. Yes
   2. No

If your score totaled 3 or more points, it’s possible that you have IBS. While everyone’s IBS is different, this self-test is aimed to identify the more common signs and symptoms of IBS. As mentioned above, this self-test is not a medically validated questionnaire. If you suspect you may have IBS, see your doctor to rule out any other possible GI-related conditions.

To read more about foods to avoid, foods to eat and how to make easy changes to your IBS diet to mitigate your symptoms, download our IBS Nutrition Guide. Read more about how these questions help to diagnose IBS below.

IBS and Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is one key IBS marker. While everyone may experience abdominal pain from time to time, people with IBS tend to experience abdominal pain more regularly and for longer periods of time. The diagnostic criteria states, “abdominal pain or discomfort for 3 months or longer”. However, abdominal pain may come and go over time, so it’s important to keep note of your symptoms to be able to accurately diagnose your condition.

Inconsistent Bowel Movements

Questions 3-5 ask about your predominant bowel habit. This is relevant to an IBS diagnosis because most people with IBS will experience inconsistencies in their bowel movements. People who have IBS-D, or diarrhea-predominant IBS, may experience frequent diarrhea and urgency. People with IBS-C, or constipation-predominant IBS, may experience frequent constipation. People with IBS-M, or mixed-bowel IBS, may experience frequent constipation and diarrhea. These questions in particular help narrow down the IBS subtype that you may be experiencing.

IBS Gas and Bloating

Questions 6 and 7 ask about other common symptoms of IBS, excess gas and bloating. These two symptoms typically a result of the chronic inflammation present in your gut. Inflammation occurs when a trigger food is introduced to the inner lining of the digestive system. This inflammation causes bloating, abdominal distention, and gas production.

What to Do Next

As mentioned above, this self-test is not a medically validated questionnaire. If you suspect you may have IBS, see your doctor to rule out any other possible GI-related conditions. In the meantime, the best thing you can to do start managing your IBS is to learn more about it. Take some time to read about common IBS triggers, the differences between IBS-D and IBS-D and possible treatment approaches. It can also be helpful to turn to the experts for support and guidance. Learn more about IBS and how we can help manage your condition here.

To read more about foods to avoid, foods to eat and how to make easy changes to your IBS diet to mitigate your symptoms, download our IBS Nutrition Guide.