I have abdominal pain and cramps that relieves with bowel movement for 4 weeks. My stool is some how looser when I have pain. Do I have IBS or not?

Dr. Drossman: Possibly. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience pain and bowel symptoms like diarrhea in response to stress, diary indiscretion, hormonal changes like having a menstrual period, physical exercise and the like. IBS can be understood as a disorder where there is an increased sensitivity to react to such factors. It also occurs frequently and for a period of time. If you have had these symptoms in the past it is more likely you have IBS. The Rome III criteria for diagnosing IBS includes: • Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 days/month in last 3 months associated with two or more: • Improvement with defecation • Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool • Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool These criteria need to be fulfilled for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis.