When to See a Doctor for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
You should seek medical attention if:
- You have persistent abdominal pain
- You observe any bleeding while passing stool.
- There is recurrent vomiting.
- Pain doesn’t improve after passing stool.
- You have diarrhea that wakes you up from sleep
- You have unintentional weight loss
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diagnosis
Diagnosis:
There is no specific test to rule out IBS, but rather it is diagnosed by carefully evaluating the patient’s symptoms, medical history and family history. Your gastroenterologist may order tests to rule out other conditions which have symptoms similar to IBS. Examples include celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), lactose intolerance, and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
Some tests which may be ordered include:
Blood tests: To check for anemia and celiac disease
Stool tests: To check for gastrointestinal infections , inflammation, or malabsorption
X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen: To check for any obstruction and ensure other organs are healthy
Lactose intolerance tests: These help exclude lactose intolerance which can cause symptoms similar to IBS, such as abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea
Breath test for bacterial overgrowth: This test checks for excessive bacteria in the small intestine, a condition more common in people who have had bowel surgery, diabetes, or other conditions that slow digestion.
Endoscopy or colonoscopy: This may be necessary if there is rectal bleeding or unexplained anemia. It involves inserting a camera into the gastrointestinal tract to examine the intestinal lining and take samples to rule out intestinal issues.
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