Top 5 iPhone and iPad Apps for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It is important for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to understand more about their condition and track their diet and bowel habits to help manage their symptoms. These apps for the iPhone and iPad provide useful information for patients that can help them learn more about the symptoms and management of IBS, track their medications and daily habits, and share this information with their health care providers.

Cost: FREE

Size: 4.7 MB

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later.

Notes: Developed by Track & Share Apps, LLC, this highly rated app allows users to track their digestion and health habits and take control of their digestive health “by tracking and better understanding what works.” With this app, users can record their number of daily bowel movements (as well as take notes on texture and other properties), water intake (by number of glasses), stress level, and whether they had a gluten-free day. They can also create reports that graph daily, weekly, and monthly bowel movements, and then e-mail the information to their health care provider.

Cost: $0.99

Size: 188 MB

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

Notes: This “pocket hypnotherapy” app is designed to help patients with IBS to manage their symptoms through relaxation. Each track on the app features a combination of words spoken by a certified hypnotherapist and “soothing, uplifting ‘binaural’ music.” The app offers nine therapeutic videos, customizable background music, an eBook with 50 relaxation and stress-reduction tips, a collections of relaxing sounds and music, and more.

Cost: FREE

Size: 6.6 MB

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

Notes: Developed by the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, the GI Bodyguard app empowers patients to “to take control of [their] digestive health with confidence and optimism” by enabling them to “monitor and keep a detailed journal of their health in real time.” The Gi Bodyguard app comes with gastrointestinal symptom, stool, pain, food/weight and medication trackers; a gastrointestinal health history form; medication, tracking, and water reminders; and easy-to-use reporting features that “allow a summary of your digestive health to be transferred quickly and easily to health care professionals — through print (supported printers) or e-mail.”

Cost: $24.99

Size: 1.38 GB

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

Notes: Developed by the Mayo Clinic and GAIAM, this pricey app provides users with a “groundbreaking, integrated health action plan designed specifically to relieve the symptoms of IBS.” Features include a 30-minute video of Mayo Clinic specialists discussing the benefits of an integrative IBS treatment approach and sharing information about “an array of conventional and alternative therapy options;” a guided grocery shopping tutorial and tips on smart ways to eat healthy every day; dietician-created meal plans; a 40-minute video session of “gentle, restorative yoga and stress-relieving meditation;” the “My Stress Solution” interactive tool; note taking and tracking functionality; and more.

Cost: $7.99

Size: 97.9 MB

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.1.2 or later

Notes: Based on the latest British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines, this advanced app features high-quality video lectures by Professor Owen Epstein. Although intended for medical professionals and students, these “engaging videos are equally accessible to patients wanting to find out more about their condition.” Each video in the app “covers an aspect of the condition delivered as an engaging interview and accompanied by illustrations and animations.” Topics covered include an introduction to IBS; discussion on current theories on the cause and triggers of irritable bowel syndrome; a comprehensive overview of symptoms, examination findings, investigations and diagnosis; an explanation of the general approach to management of the condition; and information about the role of drugs, diet, and alternative therapies in IBS management.