DefinePK

Abstract

Table 1. The criteria used for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Rome II Symptom Criteria for IBS At least 12 weeks or more, which need not be consecutive, in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has two out of three features: 1) Relieved with defecation 2) Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool 3) Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool. Other symptoms that are not essential but support the diagnosis of IBS: (a) Abnormal stool frequency (greater than 3 bowel movements/day or less than 3 bowel movements/week); (b) Abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/watery stool); (c) Abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation); (c) Passage of mucus (d) Bloating or feeling of abdominal distension