PATIENT PRESENTATION MARKER

IBS-C symptoms

What this marker measures

The degree to which Rome IV criteria are met/not met for the constipation subtype of irritable bowel syndrome. This does not constitute a diagnosis.

Health categories/Interpretations informed by this marker

Gut function
● Slower colonic transit: patients with the constipation subtype of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) may have slower colonic transit.^1–3

Clinical features
‍● Lower GI symptoms: high stool frequency is a commonly-reported lower gastrointestinal symptom that can affect quality of life.
^‍

Interpreting the result

PRESENT

Questionnaire responses indicate abdominal pain on 1 or more days per week for 6 months or more, linked to bowel motions, with stools that most often change to hard or lumpy during pain. This is consistent with the Rome IV criteria for IBS, with a constipation-type stool pattern.

NOT PRESENT

Questionnaire responses do not meet the criteria for Present.

Patient management insights

DIETARY STRATEGIES

Add ground flaxseed: ground or whole flaxseed may improve IBS severity.⁴
GRADE D

Tips for patients discussion

"Your questionnaire responses show a pattern of tummy pain alongside hard or lumpy stools. This is common and can affect how you feel day to day. Adding ground flaxseed to your meals is one simple option we can try, and we'll look at your other results to see what else might help."

Source references for all clinical associations, interpretation definitions, and patient management insights on this card.

1. Agrawal, A. et al. Bloating and distension in irritable bowel syndrome: the role of gastrointestinal transit. Am J Gastroenterol 104, 1998–2004 (2009).
2. Bouchoucha, M. et al. Is the colonic response to food different in IBS in contrast to simple constipation or diarrhea without abdominal pain? Dig Dis Sci 56 (2011). doi:10.1007/s10620-011-1700-4
3. Shekhar, C. et al. Rome III functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation are similar disorders within a spectrum of sensitization, regulated by serotonin. Gastroenterology (2013). doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2013.07.014
4. Cockerell, K. M. et al. Effects of linseeds on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot randomised controlled trial. J Hum Nutr Diet 25, 435–443 (2012).