Is your belly feeling heavy and uncomfortable after meals? Are you tired of dealing with bloating and unpredictable bowel movements? If so, you are not alone. Many individuals struggle with similar digestive issues, often undiagnosed or overlooked. Read on to discover possible cause of your discomfort and take the questionnaire to guide you towards seeking appropriate advice and support.
Are you feeling......
Bloated: Do you frequently experience bloating or a distended abdomen after eating?
Abdominal Pain: Are you plagued by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly around meal times?
Change in Bowel Habits: Have you noticed significant changes in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both?
Food Triggers: Do certain foods seem to trigger or worsen your digestive symptoms?
Stress and Exacerbation: Have you observed a correlation between periods of stress or anxiety and an increase in your gut issues?
How Can These Impact Your Daily Life?
Living with these symptoms can be disruptive, affecting your work, social life, and overall well-being. The unpredictable nature of symptoms often leads to anxiety and stress, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates digestive discomfort.
Seeking Help for Your Symptoms
If you are experiencing persistent digestive issues, it's crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Consulting a doctor or gastroenterologist can help in confirming a diagnosis and developing a suitable treatment plan tailored to your needs.
There are various bowel issues that can cause bloating and irregular bowel movements, with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) being one of the most common. Other conditions include Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), celiac disease etc.
Questionnaire: Assess Your Symptoms
Are you unsure if your digestive issues align with IBS? Take this brief questionnaire to assess your symptoms and gather valuable information for your healthcare provider.
Circle where applicable
1. In the past 3 months, how often did you have discomfort or pain anywhere in your abdomen? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
If your answer is NEVER, please skip to Question 10 |
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2. Have you had this discomfort or pain 6 months or longer? | Just Started | Past 6 months only | Longer than 6 months |
3. For women only: Did this discomfort or pain occur only during your menstrual bleeding and not at other times? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
4. How often did this discomfort or pain get better or stop after you had a bowel movement? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
5. When this discomfort or pain started, did you have more frequent bowel movements? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
6. When this discomfort or pain started, did you have less frequent bowel movements? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
7. When this discomfort or pain started, were your stools (bowel movements) looser? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
8. When this discomfort or pain started, how often did you have harder stools? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
9. In the last 3 months, how often did you have hard or lumpy stools? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
10. In the last 3 months, how often did you have loose, mushy or watery stools? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
11. In the last 3 months, how often did you have difficulty having a bowel movement (straining, feeling that you have not finished)? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
12. In the last 3 months, how often did you feel that you had to rush to the bathroom as soon as you got the urge to have a bowel movement? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
13. In the last 3 months, how often did you feel bloated? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
14. In the last 3 months, how often did you feel that your abdomen/belly was actually distended? | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
15. In the last 3 months, how often did you feel that you had a problem with passing too much gas/wind | Never | Some of the time | Most of the time |
16. What is your age? | Over 50 years old | Under 15 years old | Between 15 and 50 years |
Total circles above |
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Score Points | X 0 | x 1 | x 2 |
Total Score | |||
17. Are any of the following diseases present in your family? | Colon cancer Yes / No | Celiac disease Yes/ No | Inflammatory bowel disease (colitis, Crohn’s disease) Yes / No |
18. Were you recently treated with antibiotics? | Yes / No | ||
19. Have you –unintentionally- lost weight? | Yes / No | ||
20. Did you lose blood with your stools? | Yes / No | ||
21. Did your symptoms wake you up at night? | Yes / No |
SCORING SYSTEM:
Add up your scores for Questions 1-16
· Score 25-30: you are likely to be suffering from IBS
· Score 15-24: you may suffer from IBS but other conditions are also possible
· Score 15 or less: Your symptoms may not be due to IBS and other conditions should be considered
For questions 17-21:
If you answered YES to any of these questions you should discuss with your GP
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What's Next?
Upon completing the questionnaire, make sure to note down your responses and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Seeking professional advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of digestive concerns like IBS. Remember, you are not alone in your struggle, and there is support available to help you navigate this challenging condition.
Experiencing frequent belly discomfort should not be dismissed as normal. By taking a proactive approach and utilising resources like the questionnaire provided, you can take the first step towards understanding and managing your digestive health. Stay informed, seek guidance from professionals, and prioritize your well-being. Together, we can empower ourselves to overcome the challenges posed by conditions like IBS.
Remember, your health matters, and taking care of your digestive system is a vital part of overall wellness. Don't hesitate to reach out for support if you're struggling with persistent symptoms. Here's to a happier and healthier gut!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.