To know if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you need to consult a healthcare professional who will diagnose IBS primarily based on your symptoms, medical history, and by ruling out other conditions, as there is no single definitive test for IBS.
Key Diagnostic Criteria for IBS
- Symptoms: You typically have abdominal pain or discomfort at least one day per week in the last three months. This pain is usually associated with at least two of the following:
- Pain related to bowel movements (improves or worsens after defecation)
- Change in frequency of bowel movements
- Change in stool consistency (diarrhea, constipation, or both)
- Duration: Symptoms usually start at least six months before diagnosis and have been present for at least three months
- Symptom patterns: IBS symptoms can include cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between diarrhea and constipation
Diagnostic Process
- Medical history and symptom review: Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, their frequency, triggers (such as certain foods), and duration. They will also inquire about any family history of digestive diseases
- Physical exam: The doctor may examine your abdomen for tenderness, bloating, or swelling
- Tests to exclude other conditions: Since IBS symptoms overlap with other digestive disorders, doctors often order blood tests, stool tests, or other investigations to rule out infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, or other serious conditions. These tests may include:
- Blood tests for anemia, infection, or celiac disease
- Stool tests for infections or blood
- Breath tests for bacterial overgrowth or lactose intolerance
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy if needed
When to Seek Medical Advice
You should see a doctor if you have symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or bloating lasting for weeks. Also, if you experience warning signs such as:
- Onset of symptoms after age 50
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rectal bleeding
- Fever
- Nighttime diarrhea or pain that wakes you up
- Anemia
Summary
You cannot self-diagnose IBS because its symptoms are similar to other conditions. Diagnosis relies on symptom patterns, medical history, physical examination, and excluding other diseases through tests. If you suspect you have IBS, consult a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and guide appropriate testing and treatment
