Diagnostic Algorithm for IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have major economic effects on healthcare systems and adversely affect quality of life. However, usefulness of routine tests to identify IBS is very low. Thus, algorithms are useful to diagnose IBS patients efficiently. Diagnostic algorithms are used for patients with chronic abdominal pain or discomfort and/or abnormal bowel movement. Colonoscopy may be considered in patients with alarm symptoms. If all of them or colonoscopy is negative, Rome IV criteria is applied. Several noninvasive diagnostic markers are dissatisfied so far. Functional MRI will evolve promising diagnostic tools, although it is not suitable for daily practice. Psychological markers in combination with other biomarkers may help avoid unnecessary diagnostic testing in differentiating IBS from health.