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- What is IBS?
- Symptoms of IBS
- Causes of IBS
- Prevention of IBS
- Risk factors for IBS
- Complications of IBS
- When to see a doctor about IBS
- Diagnosis of IBS
- Conventional treatment of IBS
- Alternative/complementary treatment of IBS
- Living with IBS
- Caring for someone with IBS
Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Initial diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) includes:
- Medical history - the doctor will ask a series of questions about your symptoms (especially the duration and severity), your diet, your family medical history (if anyone else has similar symptoms or other gastrointestinal disorders)
- Physical examination - the doctor (or gastroenterologist) will examine your abdominal area for pain or discomfort, as well as examining other parts of your body if needed (your hands, eyes and mouth)
If the initial diagnosis warrant it, the following tests can be done to further evaluate the symptoms:
- Blood test - this is ordered to test iron, haemoglobin, vitamin B12, intrinsic factor, calcium levels and other nutrients. A blood test can also determine malnourishment or even if coeliac disease is present. Sometimes the thyroid function is also requested to be tested
- Stool sample - this is ordered to determine if there is any blood in the stools or if there is a bacterial infection in the bowel present
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Once the doctor (or gastroenterologist) has reviewed the medical history and determines that further investigation is warranted, the following tests can be ordered:
- Barium meal - is often performed to rule out any other disorders of the bowel, such as ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerations of the bowel and stomach, narrowing of the bowel and fistulas in the bowel (little pockets in the bowel). This test is not performed much in Australia any more as a CAT scan can show the same information without having to enduring the ingestion of the barium (less invasive)
- CAT scan - gives a more clearer view of the bowel and may be performed if a colonoscopy is not done (for whatever reason) and can show any major abnormalities in the bowel
- MRI - magnetic resonance imaging, can show clear pictures of the body tissues and organs, so it can show any abnormalities in the bowel and rule out other conditions
- Colonoscopy - people that have blood in their stools are often recommended to undergo a colonoscopy, which a gastroenterologist performs (a gastro specialist) and it involves having a colonoscope (small, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end) being inserted into the colon (from the anus) to get a better view of the colon (or bowel) and to take a sample of the colon (a biopsy). The colonoscopy is usually performed under light sedation and takes only about 10-15 minutes to be completed
- Gynaecological exam - many women with abdominal pain may need to undergo a gynaecological exam to rule out any gynaecological problems, if their symptoms warrant
- Ultrasound - an ultrasound can show any major abnormalities in the bowel and rule out other conditions
The further tests and investigation can rule out other conditions, especially the more serious and life threatening illnesses which can present with similar symptoms. Once other digestive disorders can be ruled out, then irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be diagnosed.
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< 7: when to see a doctor 9: conventional treatment > Last reviewed: 28 September 2008 || Last updated: 2 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
