Do I Have IBS? Take the Quiz

Written by Amy Vaughan, RD
Reviewed by Gina Giebner, RD

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gut conditions, but its symptoms can overlap with other issues, from food intolerances to other conditions.¹ 

This “Do I have IBS?” quiz is adapted from the NICE guideline on irritable bowel syndrome in adults.² It can help you see whether your symptoms follow the pattern doctors look for when considering an IBS diagnosis, and prepare you for a GP appointment.

Disclaimer: This quiz is not diagnostic and should not replace an assessment by your GP or another healthcare professional. While it’s based on recognised clinical guidelines, it’s still only a general guide. We haven’t met you, we don’t know your full medical history, and it cannot replace a personalised assessment from a healthcare professional who understands your individual situation.

How the quiz works

The questions below reflect the key criteria doctors use when considering an IBS diagnosis. 

Part 1 is scored and focuses on the core symptoms linked with IBS. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of whether your symptoms fit typical IBS patterns. 

Part 2 isn’t scored, but the extra questions can help you (and your GP) build a fuller picture of your symptoms.

Part one: Do I have IBS? The quiz

Answer each question and remember to keep track of your points!

Q1 – Do you experience any of the following symptoms? (select all that apply)

• Abdominal/tummy pain or discomfort (1 point)
• Bloating (1 point)
• Change in bowel habit constipation (hard poo that’s difficult to pass), diarrhoea (loose, watery poo) (1 point)

Q2 – Have the symptoms above been present for:

• Less than 6 months (0 points)
• More than 6 months (1 point)

Q3 – Do you have abdominal pain or discomfort that is either: (select all that apply)

• Relieved by going to the toilet (1 point)
• Linked to changes in how often you poo (1 point)
• Linked to changes in the shape and appearance of your poo (1 point)

Q4 – Do you experience any of the following? (select all that apply)

• Straining, rushing, or feeling like you haven’t fully finished when you poo (1 point)
• Bloating, swelling, or hardness in your tummy (1 point)
• Symptoms that get worse after eating (1 point)
• Noticing mucus in your poo (1 point)

Now add up your points and see what your score means.

How to Read Your Score 

Score	Do I Have IBS?	Next Step
5+ points	It’s possible you’re experiencing IBS	Book an appointment with your GP to confirm and rule out other causes
3–4 points	You may have IBS, but the pattern isn’t clear	Still worth discussing with your GP, especially if symptoms persist
0–2 points	Less likely to be IBS	If you’re having gut symptoms, check with your GP to be sure

Part 2: Do I have IBS? Bonus questions

Part 2 is like a bonus round. These questions don’t affect your score, but they can help you and your GP get a clearer sense of what might be contributing to your symptoms.

Q5 – Which type best represents your usual poo? Click here for the Bristol Stool Chart. 

• Type 1–2 → constipation
• Type 3–4 → normal
• Type 5–7 → diarrhoea

Q6 – Do you also experience any of the following?

• Lethargy (low energy)
• Nausea
• Backache
• Bladder symptoms (urgency, frequency)

Q7 – Does your tummy pain vary in location rather than staying in one fixed spot?

• Varies in location → more typical of IBS
• Fixed, always in the same spot → Check with your GP to rule out other causes

Q8 – Do you experience any of the following symptoms with or without any of the symptoms mentioned so far?

• Bleeding from your bottom
• Blood in your poo
• A change in your pooing habits such as going more or less often, or having diarrhoea or constipation that comes and goes
• Losing weight without knowing why
• Feeling very tired all the time without a known reason
• A pain or lump in your tummy

⚠️ If you answered YES to any of the symptoms in Q8, we recommend you see your GP promptly.

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean anything serious is going on, but they should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible just to be sure. 

What to do next

Once you’ve worked through the quiz, it’s important to know what to do next. If you haven’t yet discussed your symptoms with your GP, that’s the best place to start.

This quiz can’t confirm or rule out IBS, but your GP can take a detailed history, check for other conditions, and decide if further tests are needed. Plus, you can take your answers from this quiz to help prepare you for that appointment. 

Preparing for Your GP Appointment

If your GP thinks you may have IBS, they’ll usually ask questions such as:

• What symptoms you have, including when they started, how long they’ve lasted, and how severe they are and whether they come and go
• Whether your symptoms are linked to certain foods, drinks, or situations (for example, after eating spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, or caffeine)
• Your typical poo type (the Bristol Stool Chart can help you describe this)
• Whether symptoms are affected by stress, anxiety, recent illnesses or taking antibiotics
• Your diet and overall nutrition, including how much fibre you eat
• Your exercise and physical activity levels
• The impact of symptoms on your daily life (home, work, school, leisure)

They may also feel your tummy to check for lumps or swelling. They may also do simple blood tests to rule out other conditions, such as coeliac disease or inflammation.

Before your appointment:

• Write down your symptoms and how they affect your daily life
• Note when they started and how often they occur
• Start a food and symptoms diary to help spot possible patterns
• Include details about your typical poo type using the Bristol Stool Chart

Preparing this information will make your GP appointment more useful, and, if you’d like extra support, a specialist dietitian can also help you understand your triggers and manage IBS more confidently.

Get personalised support

Living with IBS symptoms can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what’s triggering them or how to manage flare-ups. Our specialist gut health dietitians can help you make sense of your symptoms, identify patterns, and guide you through safe, evidence-based strategies that actually work for you.

With personalised support, you can start to feel more confident in your food choices, enjoy meals without fear, and take back control of your gut health.

Book your free discovery call today to find out how we can help.

References

1. Vasant DH, Paine PA, Black CJ, et al. (2021) British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Gut 2021;70:1214-1240. Available: https://gut.bmj.com/content/70/7/1214
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2008) Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management (CG61). Last updated April 2017. Available: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Last revised August 2023. Irritable bowel syndrome – Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS). London: NICE;. Available: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/