Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):

1. Do my symptoms indicate that I have IBS? Could they be a sign of some other medical condition?
   
   
2. What sort of tests will I need to have to determine if I have IBS?
   
   
3. Do you have experience treating IBS? Do I need to see a specialist?
   
   
4. Could my symptoms be caused by any medications I’m currently taking?
   
   
5. What treatment options are available to me?
   
   
6. Do I need to treat my symptoms when they occur – or will treatment be ongoing, even when I don’t have symptoms?
   
   
7. Do I need to change my diet? What about changes to my lifestyle (exercise, activities)?
   
   
8. If stress aggravates my symptoms, are there particular ways to manage my stress that you recommend?
   
   
9. Are there specific medications that may control my symptoms? Which are most appropriate for me? What are their side effects?
   
   
10. Are there over-the-counter medications or home remedies you would recommend for me?
    
    
11. Are there special things I can do during my menstrual period to lessen or eliminate flare-ups?
    
    
12. During treatment, are there any side effects or changes that you want me to report to you immediately?
    
    
13. I take Zelnorm for IBS with constipation, but heard that it was recently removed from the market. What are my options?