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Diagnosing IBS

It is important to note that you cannot diagnose irritable bowel syndrome yourself. Although IBS is characterised by diarrhoea, constipation or alternating diarrhoea and constipation along with abdominal discomfort, pain and bloating, many other conditions, some of them far more serious, also carry these symptoms. There is no single cause of IBS but instead there appears to be a number of contributory factors that can trigger IBS in some people. Consequently, diagnosing IBS can be problematic.

In the past, IBS was diagnosed when all other possible causes of the symptoms had been eliminated. This meant that a diagnosis of IBS could take anything from months to years to obtain. This process is now set to be speeded up as new guidelines have been issued.

What to expect when you visit your doctor

If you experience altered bowel movements and pain then your first step should be to visit your doctor. In the first instance your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions relating to your bowel movements and your lifestyle. If your symptoms have persisted for a period of at least six months and you feel relief from pain when a bowel movement is passed, and you have at least two of the following symptoms then you have a good chance of being diagnosed with IBS.

Straining, a sense of urgency, feeling of incomplete evacuation after performing a bowel movement
Bloating, distended abdomen, tension or hardness (more common in women)
Symptoms that are made worse by eating
Mucous in the stools

However, as the symptoms of IBS can mimic other more serious conditions it’s important to rule these out first. Although there isn’t a diagnostic test that can detect IBS, it is likely that you will be asked to undergo blood tests and have a full blood count taken to eliminate other possible causes. If the indications are that some other condition could be the cause of the symptoms then you will be referred for further investigation. If not, then you may be diagnosed with IBS.

Treating IBS

Although IBS is the most common gastrointestinal complaint seen by gastroenterologists today, there still isn’t a single treatment plan that is suitable for everyone and this is because IBS affects people in different ways. If you are diagnosed with IBS you are almost certainly going to have to make lifestyle and dietary changes in order to help ease the symptoms of IBS.

The advice you will be given is likely to include increasing the amount of soluble fibre in your diet, avoiding foods that could irritate or stimulate your digestive tract, and making sure that you get enough physical exercise. In many cases this could even be enough to keep IBS under control. If your symptoms are particularly severe or distressing then you may be offered some kind of medication. Finally, as people with IBS appear to be more susceptible to the negative effects of stress, anxiety and emotional distress, all of which can make the symptoms of IBS much worse, some kind of counselling or talking therapies may also be recommended.