Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder for which no known physiologic or anatomical cause has been identified. IBS involves problems with the movement of food through the intestines, or what we call motility, and how the brain interprets signals from the intestinal nerves.



According to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, IBS affects an estimated 5-10% of the Canadian population, more than 70% of those people say that their symptoms interfere with their everyday life and 46% report missing work or school because of it. That’s a sad state of affairs, if you ask me. 



The Rome IV criteria is the most recent and well-known diagnostic criteria for IBS:


  • On average, > 1 day per week in the last 3 months of recurrent abdominal pain, plus 2 or more of the following:

  • Symptoms are related to defecation

  • Onset of symptoms are associated with a change in frequency of stool

  • Onset of symptoms are associated with a change in stool form or appearance


Pretty vague, right? So you have abdominal pain that may or may not be associated with defecation, and/or a change in stool.



IBS is what we call a “diagnosis of exclusion”, which means that once you’ve ruled out the other causes of your symptoms and you fit the Rome IV criteria above, you are diagnosed with whatever is left over, IBS.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.