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IBS Symptom Journal

WebMD Medical Reference

IBS Symptom Journal
WebMD Medical Reference

WebMD Guide
Irritable Bowel
Syndrome

What Is IBS

Who Is at Risk

10 Questions to Ask the Doctor

Coping With IBS

IBS Symptom Journal

Treating IBS and Constipation

Treating IBS and Diarrhea

Stress and IBS

Therapy for IBS

A symptom journal can help you and your doctor figure out what triggers your IBS, and how to deal with those triggers.

Fill this out as soon as you experience symptoms. Print extra copies to have on hand.

Remember, a variety of factors can set off IBS: Certain types of food, the volume of food, stress, medicines, your menstrual cycle, and your environment.

You may find, for instance, that you tend to feel bloated after eating snacks during office meetings. Knowing what influences your eating and what causes you stress can help in developing prevention strategies.

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Symptom Journal

Symptom 1 Symptom 2 Symptom 3
Date/Time Symptoms Began and Ended
Description of Symptoms (pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, etc.)
Where Symptoms Began
Pre-Symptom Activity
Type of Food Eaten
Amount of Food Eaten (Rate 1-10 with 10 as an excessive portion.)
Medications Taken
Suspected Trigger(s)

Reviewed by Benjamin Wedro, MD.
Medically Reviewed April 2008.

SOURCE: Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, author of the "American Dietetic Association Guide to Better Digestion."

What upsets your stomach the most?

  • Dairy
  • Fruit
  • Soft drinks
  • Fried foods