The Bottom Line:
The diagnostic criteria of irritable bowel syndrome is based on a cluster of symptoms in the absence of a biologic disease marker. Two symptom-based standards for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome are the Manning criteria and the Rome criteria.
Manning criteria
- generally at least 2 of
- more frequent stools with onset of abdominal pain
- looser stools with onset of pain
- relief of pain with defecation
- abdominal distension
- passage of mucus
- feeling of incomplete evacuation after defecation
Rome III criteria for IBS
- in adults
- recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 days/month in the last 3 months with at least 2 of the following features
- improvement with defecation
- onset associated with change in stool frequency
- onset associated with change in stool form (appearance)
- onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis
- recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 days/month in the last 3 months with at least 2 of the following features
Rome IV IBS diagnostic criteria and subtypes.
The “Rome criteria” are currently used for research purposes. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) uses Rome III criteria for diagnosis of IBS in adults
Fulfilling diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using Manning or Rome criteria is mandatory but not sufficient, as some organic diseases may also meet these criteria.
DynaMed [Internet]. Ipswich (MA): EBSCO Information Services. 1995. Record No. T113627, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); [updated 2018 Nov 30, 2021 Feb 30]. Registration and login required.
Harer K. et al. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. (2021). In Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. Vol 50 No 1. Elsevier.
Wald A. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (2021). In Conn’s Current Therapy 2021. Elsevier: Philadelphia.
The Bottom Line 