The "Is It IBS?" app for the iPhone and the iPod touch was designed to help individuals who are suffering from bowel symptoms to determine if they have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The app contains a symptom questionnaire and a page offering basic information about IBS.
How It Works
The app consists of a series of questions regarding your symptoms, focusing on abdominal pain and changes in stool appearance and frequency. The app compares your responses to the Rome III criteria, used by physicians for IBS diagnosis. The app lets you know if your symptoms are consistent with an IBS diagnosis, and even categorizes your symptoms by IBS sub-type.
About the Designer
Dr. Stephan R. Weinland is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in North Carolina entitled Behavioral Health Associates of NC, Inc. (BHANC, Inc.) He is also on the faculty of the UNC Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders. Dr. Weinland is also the designer of the IBS Symptom Tracker, an excellent app for keeping track of your IBS symptoms.
Is This App for You?
Save your money. Although I applaud any effort to increase IBS awareness through cutting-edge technology, this app falls short of the mark. The app is overly simplistic and provides you with information you could easily glean yourself by perusing the Rome III criteria. If you are experiencing chronic abdominal pain and a change in your bowel habits, your best bet is to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
The app is available through the iTunes Store.
Click here to visit Dr. Weinland's web site.
