If you suspect that you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it is important to speak to your doctor. They will be able to perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms in order to diagnose IBS.
IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that is often associated with abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and they can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of IBS include:
- Recurring abdominal pain or discomfort that is relieved by a bowel movement
- Gas, bloating, and abdominal distention
- Changes in bowel habits, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Mucus in the stool
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are recurrent, it is important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a number of tests to diagnose IBS, including a blood test, a stool sample to check for signs of infection, and a colonoscopy to check for signs of inflammation or potential causes of your symptoms.
Additionally, your doctor may use the Rome IV Criteria to diagnose IBS. This criteria includes abdominal pain or discomfort that occurs at least one day a week for 3 months, and it is associated with 2 or more of the following:
- Related to defecation
- Alleviated with defecation
- Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool
- Onset associated with a change in form of stool
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor in order to properly diagnose and treat your IBS.