And do the tests, if there are any, hurt?
2007-02-26 07:01:47 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
The diagnosis of IBS is primarily made on history, since there are no absolute diagnostic tests. It is generally a story of longstanding bowel upset with no weight loss. The patient has alternating diarrhoea and constipation and often quite severe bowel cramps. Many patients are aware that their symptoms are worse when they are under stress.
The test are done more to exclude other diagnoses. It is normal to do a blood screen, and/or a barium enema (dye into the back passage and X-rays) or some level of scope into the back passage.
IBS is annoying and uncomfortable but not serious.
2007-02-26 12:28:10 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are no tests that will definitely diagnose ibs but there are some tests that can be done to rule out other conditions and some tests that can help to control ibs and lessen the symptoms.
Food intolerance tests can identify which foods trigger ibs
Stool sample testing, blood tests, and x rays rule out other conditions
Finally, the doctor may conduct a colonoscopy to look inside the bowels (this is not painful but can be uncomfortable and embarrassing!)
2007-02-26 07:12:28 · answer #2 · answered by amber 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person who has problems with digestion or gut pain will usually get a battery of tests to determine the cause. this can range from colonoscopy, to endoscopsy, to H-pylori tests and possibly more. If all these tests are negative then this will rule out any serious disease process. I the person still complains of stomach problems then at that point when all else has been exhausted the person will likely get the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. The first line of treatment of IBS is to determine if there are any food triggers, so begin with an elimination diet. Just a note this is for irritable bowel not inflammatory bowel which is quite different and more serious.
2007-02-26 07:10:28 · answer #3 · answered by mr.answerman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are lots of tests done for IBS and for the vast majority of people they turn up nothing. IBS is almost always caused by diet, lifestyle and fluid intake (and for a very small percentage of sufferers there is a psycholoical/emotional issue) . GPs have very few weapons to use against IBS and they also don't have the time to get to the bottom of the problem. I am a colon hydrotherapist and usually see people when they have spent years going to the GP, having tests etc with little or no results. I suggest a course of colonic irrigation (but be prepared to persevere a bit) and a session with a nutritional therapist to get your diet in hand. it would also be worth having a food sensitivity test as it is believed that around two thirds of people with IBS have food sensitivities.
2007-02-26 20:16:24 · answer #4 · answered by LillyB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Amy,
I have IBS and have had it for about five years. They did an upper GI series and a colonoscopy to find it. They were not painful procedures, but not very pleasant at the same time. I am being treated with a medication caled Librax and I also take Nexium twice per day. I am symptom free now and feel much better.
They might need to rule out diverticulitis also. That is an infection in your colon.
Best of luck to you! Feel better soon!
2007-02-26 07:06:41 · answer #5 · answered by Starla_C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have IBS, and there are few tests for it, depending on your "hadits" the doctor will determine your condition, you really should see a specialist if you are concerned, it just might not be as simple as IBS..... GO SEE A DOCTOR, and good luck
2007-02-26 07:06:29 · answer #6 · answered by mazgm1975 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed with IBS. There are no blood tests or injections, but you may be asked to be assessed by a psycologist, if its stress related (like me).
Your dr may also want a food diary, to see if its triggered by certain foods. There may be blood tests if they feel you show symptoms of Coeliacs or Crones disease. which I had.]
Good luck, they won't hurt!
2007-02-26 07:06:29 · answer #7 · answered by BrilliantPomegranate 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
SYMPTOMS OF "IBS"
1..PRESSURE ON THE BOWELS , TO WANT GO MORE
2..GAS CRAMPS IN THE STOMACHE
3..DIARRHEA
4..CONSTIPATION
5. GAS CRAMPS AFTER EATING
6. STOMACHE BLOATING
I FOUND OUT , TAKE DRY JELLO AND MIX WITH WATER .. THEN DRINK DOWN
THIS WILL HELP REGULATE YOUR BOWELS FOR YOU..
ALSO EAT MORE FIBER .LIKE WHEAT BREAD AND MORE VEGETABLES ..TAKE IMMODIUM IF THE DIARRHEA IS TOO BAD
2007-02-26 07:12:02 · answer #8 · answered by Swm 39 4 Younger Swf Forever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a camera and tube is inserted in the back passage and a view of the colon to see how the colon is
2007-02-26 07:07:26 · answer #9 · answered by weebobby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋