IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS)
Five items, each scored out of 100, covering the past 10 days. The patient marks each scale; enter the positions here. The total is out of 500.
Answer the pain and distension questions to start.
| IBS-SSS | Severity |
|---|---|
| Below 75 | In the range of people without IBS, or in remission |
| 75 to 174 | Mild |
| 175 to 300 | Moderate |
| Above 300 | Severe |
Notes
- A fall of 50 points or more is a clinically meaningful improvement.
- The score is most useful tracked over time in the same patient, for example before and after a low FODMAP diet or a new medicine.
- The original questionnaire also asks about extra-colonic symptoms, which do not count towards the score.
Reference
Francis CY, Morris J, Whorwell PJ. The irritable bowel severity scoring system: a simple method of monitoring irritable bowel syndrome and its progress. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1997;11(2):395-402.