How is IBS diagnosed?
If you think you may have IBS, see your doctor. Your doctor will take a medical history and ask about your symptoms. Then your doctor will perform some medical tests. There are no tests that can show for sure that you have IBS. But your doctor may do some medical tests to make sure you don’t have any other diseases that could cause your symptoms. Other possible causes include polyps, inflammation, or intolerance of foods containing a protein called gluten. Medical tests that may be done include: • physical exam • blood tests • x-ray of the bowel: This x-ray test is called a barium enema or lower GI (gastrointestinal) series. Barium is a thick liquid that makes the bowel show up better on the x-ray. Before taking the x-ray, the doctor will put barium into your bowel through the anus. • endoscopy: The doctor inserts a thin tube into your bowel. The tube has a camera in it, so the doctor can look at the inside of the bowel to check for problems.
The starting point of the diagnosis is a detailed history or interview and a physical examination. Diagnosis of IBS involves identifying certain symptoms typical of the disorder, and excluding other medical conditions that may have a similar clinical presentation. The symptom-based Rome diagnostic criteria for IBS emphasize a “positive diagnosis” rather than exhaustive tests to exclude other diseases.
Only a doctor can diagnose IBS. Sometimes, pinpointing IBS as the cause of a person’s symptoms is a process of ruling out other disorders or diseases that could be responsible. The diagnosis process can include discussions with your doctor, physical exams, medical tests and referrals to other health care professionals.
