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What Are The Symptoms Of IBS?
Question: I was told I had IBS years ago and have tried going gluten free, milk & milk product free, and several other
menu changes but nothing helps for very long. How can I find out if IBS is what I truly have or if it is something else?
menu changes but nothing helps for very long. How can I find out if IBS is what I truly have or if it is something else?
Brief Answer:
there are tests that can be done
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
IBS is a GI disorder characterized by abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits with no specific changes in the structure of the bowel
There is a criteria called the ROME 111 criteria that are required for diagnosis of IBS. It states a person must have: Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 days a month for the last 3 months with 2 or more of the following
(1)discomfort improves with a bowel movement OR
(2)start of symptoms associated with a change in the frequency of stool and/or
(3)change in the appearance of the stool
You can consider going to a specialist for testing.
Tests may include: (1) complete blood count- checking for anemia, inflammation or infection
(2)electrolyte levels - to make sure that the frequent bowel movements ( if present) do not cause a change in electrolyte levels
(3)stool to the lab- looking for parasites, bacteria
(4)if lactose intolerance is suspected there is a breath test that can be done
(5)thyroid hormone levels- high levels can cause diarrhea, low levels- constipation
(6)imaging is considered depending on the history or examination findings
Summary: (1) there are certain criteria that need to be met
(2)there are tests, mainly blood tests , that can be done
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
there are tests that can be done
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
IBS is a GI disorder characterized by abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits with no specific changes in the structure of the bowel
There is a criteria called the ROME 111 criteria that are required for diagnosis of IBS. It states a person must have: Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 days a month for the last 3 months with 2 or more of the following
(1)discomfort improves with a bowel movement OR
(2)start of symptoms associated with a change in the frequency of stool and/or
(3)change in the appearance of the stool
You can consider going to a specialist for testing.
Tests may include: (1) complete blood count- checking for anemia, inflammation or infection
(2)electrolyte levels - to make sure that the frequent bowel movements ( if present) do not cause a change in electrolyte levels
(3)stool to the lab- looking for parasites, bacteria
(4)if lactose intolerance is suspected there is a breath test that can be done
(5)thyroid hormone levels- high levels can cause diarrhea, low levels- constipation
(6)imaging is considered depending on the history or examination findings
Summary: (1) there are certain criteria that need to be met
(2)there are tests, mainly blood tests , that can be done
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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