How can i know for sure if i have Irritable bowel syndrome ?

Question

i have most of the symptoms but i want to make sure, what kind of tests do i have to take? and if it turned out that i do have IBS i know there is no treatment for it so what do you suggest i should eat or take as a pain relief?

Answer 1

PART 4: DIAGNOSIS

4.1: How do I know for sure if I have IBS?

Since there is no diagnostic marker associated with IBS, the diagnosis is

based on symptoms and by excluding other diseases which may have a similar

presentation.  The extent of the medical evaluation which is necessary

prior

to making a diagnosis of IBS will vary depending on the duration of

symptoms, the patient's age and clinical presentation.  For example, recent

onset of symptoms in an older patient will require more extensive testing

than a younger person with unchanged symptoms for many years.  Most

patients, however, will be given a thorough physical exam which is

performed

mainly to rule out other medical illnesses.  If further testing is

necessary

it will usually be directed toward the predominant symptom.  For example,

patients with significant diarrhea will often undergo stool tests for ova

and parasite, and malabsorption if clinically indicated.  On the other

hand,

patients with constipation will often undergo tests such as radiopaque

marker studies (Sitzmarker) for colonic functioning and anorectal manometry

for pelvic floor functioning.  Most patients over the age of  50 years

should have a flexible sigmoidoscopy.  In addition, if occult blood is

found

by either rectal exam or on hem-occult testing a colonoscopy may be

necessary.    

Some commonly performed tests are listed below:

- Lower G.I. x-ray (a.k.a. the barium e***a)

- Small bowel series x-ray

- Stool parasite culture

- Flexible sigmoidoscopy and/or colonoscopy

It is important to note that the ONLY way to be absolutely certain you have

IBS is through a doctor's diagnosis.

4.1.2: Is IBS really a "cop-out" diagnosis?  Should I just accept it?

Many times a person may think that he or she is being "slighted" by being

given a diagnosis of IBS.  Unfortunately, to some doctors, IBS is not

considered a "true" disease, but rather an unimportant minor condition

(when

in reality it is hardly all that "minor" to those who have to deal with

it),

and therefore may not be given the medical attention it deserves.  Don't

despair; there ARE competent doctors out there who are very good at dealing

with IBS cases.  A good doctor won't just tell you that you have IBS and

give up on you.  He or she should be willing to go over your questions and

concerns, and outline and monitor a program of treatment for your

individual

case of IBS.  If you suspect that you have not had a thorough enough

examination for other diseases before the doctor tells you that you have

IBS, you should seek a second opinion.

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PART 5: TREATMENT

5.1: What are the treatments for IBS?

The treatment of IBS is based on the severity and the nature of each

person's symptoms and the effect psychosocial factors are having on their

illness behavior.  Therefore, each person's therapy is tailored to their

symptoms and may include one or more of the following:  lifestyle changes,

pharmacological treatment, and psychological treatment.  Therefore, there

really is no "one" good general treatment for IBS.  Different things work

for different people, and unfortunately the only way to know exactly what

works for you is by trial-and-error

Answer 2

Basically just see the doctor. Even if what you say is true about no treatments, the doctor will prescribe something to help you.  Don't treat it by yourself.

Answer 3

You need to see a gastroenterologist