Are You Dealing with Belly Discomfort? Take This Questionnaire and Get some answers

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
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
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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Bowel Health Questionnaire

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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.

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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.