Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria (Manning Criteria)

The Manning criteria are a diagnostic algorithm used in the diagnosis of IBS

Primary Criteria

Persistence or recurrence of the following symptoms for at least 3 months:

  • Abdominal pain / discomfort, relieved with BM
  • or associated with a change in the frequency or consistency of stool

Additional Criteria

A varying / irregular pattern of defecation

  • at least 25% of the time, with two or more of the following:

Altered BM frequency

Altered BM form

  • hard, loose or watery stool

Altered stool passage

  • straining, urgency, or incomplete evacuation sensation

Mucus in BM

Interpretation

Source: Manning AP, Thompson WG, Heaton KW, Morris AF (1978). Towards positive diagnosis of the irritable bowel. Br Med J 2 (6138): 653–4.doi:10.1136/bmj.2.6138.653. PMC 1607467. PMID 698649.
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