An irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 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 distress can help in developing prevention strategies.
IBS Symptom Journal
| Date/Time Symptoms Began | |||
| Date/Time Symptoms Ended | |||
| Description of Symptoms (pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, etc.) | |||
| Where were you and what were you doing when symptoms started? | |||
| 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) |