See a healthcare professional for evaluation
Review symptoms and medical history
Check for abdominal pain related to bowel movements
Assess changes in stool frequency
Assess changes in stool form or consistency
Look for bloating or abdominal discomfort
Rule out warning signs such as weight loss, blood in stool, fever, anemia, or nighttime symptoms
Perform a physical examination
Order blood tests to check for other conditions
Order stool tests if needed
Consider tests for celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
Use Rome criteria to assess symptom pattern
Consider colonoscopy if indicated by age, risk factors, or warning signs
Diagnose IBS by excluding other causes of symptoms