Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an irritating medical condition that causes discomfort in the abdomen, pain, changes in bowel movements and bloating in the stomach. At times, the condition is called spastic colon. IBS is caused because of the miscommunication that happens between the brain and the bowels. IBS has various classifications depending upon the symptoms. Check out the classification, symptoms and causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) here.
Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There is no specific test for the diagnosis of IBS but other diagnostic tests are carried out to rule out other illnesses. The tests to rule out other diseases include stool sample tests, x-rays and blood tests.
Colonoscopy
As part of the diagnosis procedure, the doctor will perform a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy examination that gives him the flexibility to examine the insides of the colon in detail. In this procedure, a flexible tube which is small enough to be inserted into the anus is used. It has an attached camera that helps transfers images of the colon’s insides on a computer screen.
If the tests turn out negative, then based on all the other symptoms like frequency of pain in abdomen, bowel functions and stool consistency, the doctor will make a diagnosis. Most doctors look for a set of specific symptoms which need to be present before they conclude their diagnosis of IBS.
Symptoms During Diagnosis
These are the symptoms that doctors look for before they make a diagnosis of IBS. Most doctors look for symptoms that can denote other illnesses before they diagnose IBS. Rome Criteria is the yardstick that doctors have developed to help in the diagnosis of IBS. The most important symptom that doctors look for is the presence of abdominal pain along with either constipation or diarrhea for at least three months in a year. Other symptoms that should be present are:
- Abdominal discomfort or pain (for more than 12 weeks)
- Change in bowel movement frequency
- Change in stool appearance
- An uncontrollable urge to pass stools
- Signs of inability or difficulty in passing stools
- Presence of mucus in stool
- Bloating of stomach
Other symptoms doctors look for during diagnosis include loss of weight in the patient, fever, bleeding, persistent unbearable pains, which are not symptoms of IBS but indicate other illnesses like inflammation, and in rare cases cancer.
Treatment Measures for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Depending upon the severity of the illness, doctors will prescribe various treatments. Often patients will be asked to make changes in their diet and to undergo stress management courses. In some cases, over the counter prescription medications will be prescribed. It’s possible that in some people, the symptoms disappear after treatment, while in some others it can debilitating and become chronic.
Hemorrhoids can irritate constipation and diarrhea, so it needs to be addressed and treatment for hemorrhoids is given as a first step. Some others require treatment for depression because of their illnesses. Some anti depressants can worsen the symptoms and doctors will prescribe medications that help bladder and intestine muscles relax in such cases.
Other medications include laxatives to help in relieving constipation and medications that help in decreasing diarrhea. Treatment measures also include eating more fibrous foods to prevent constipation, and avoiding foods that can trigger diarrhea.
It's important to see a doctor if you experience symptoms that indicate irritable bowel syndrome and take proper medications and make lifestyle changes to avoid further health complications.
