IBS Symptoms and Diagnosis
By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, but complex, disorder. Educating yourself regarding IBS symptoms and how the disorder is diagnosed is an important step in finding symptom relief for yourself or someone you care about.
IBS Basics

Start here to obtain basic information about IBS and to find answers to common questions about the disorder.
- What is IBS?
- IBS Essential FAQs
- What Is Your IBS IQ?
- IBS Research
- IBS, Stress & Relaxation
- SIBO and IBS
- Post Infectious IBS
- Your IBS Diet
- Top Ten GI Irritants
- Food Allergy or Intolerance?
- Food Allergies and IBS
- Is Your Doctor Right for You?
- What Is Fecal Incontinence?
- Travelers' Diarrhea Guide
- Best IBS Resources
- IBS Book Reviews
- IBS Management Guidelines 2009
Symptoms

Learn about the symptoms of IBS -- what they are and what might be causing them.
- Symptoms of IBS
- IBS and Other Symptoms
- What Other Symptoms Do You Have?
- Red Flag Digestive Symptoms
- Worst IBS Symptoms
- The Color of Stool
- Blood in Stools
- Five Reasons Why IBS Is Not All in Your Head
- Typical Pain Symptoms in IBS
- Diarrhea Wellness Guide
- Constipation Wellness Guide
- Gas and Bloating Wellness Guide
- How To Soothe Abdominal Pain
- Financial Stress and Your Stomach
- Causes of Bathroom Accidents
- The IBS Symptom Tracker
Diagnosis

How do you know if you have IBS? Here is what you need to know to make sure you get an accurate diagnosis.
- Diagnosis of IBS
- Stomach Problem Symptom Checkers
- Should My Doctor Run More Tests?
- Will I Need Surgery for My IBS?
- If It’s Not IBS, What Else Could it Be?
- IBS and Other Comorbid Health Problems
- What Other Health Problems Do You Have?
- Is It Lactose Intolerance?
- IBS and Sugar Intolerance
- Fructose Intolerance and IBS
- How To Keep a Food Diary
- How To Follow an Elimination Diet
The Science Behind IBS

Looking for more in-depth information regarding this complicated disorder? Read on to find out what's happening in the search for answers regarding the puzzle that is IBS.

