Rome IV Criteria

The Rome IV Criteria are guidelines used by healthcare professionals to diagnose functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They focus on patterns of symptoms rather than visible disease, emphasizing persistent or recurrent issues like abdominal pain or discomfort that are related to bowel movements and associated changes in stool frequency or appearance. These criteria help distinguish functional disorders from other medical conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In essence, Rome IV provides a standardized way to identify and categorize common digestive problems based on symptom patterns rather than structural abnormalities.