# How Is IBS Diagnosed?


Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a colon disorder that commonly causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. A knowledgeable physician can diagnose IBS by carefully reviewing a patient's symptoms, performing a physical exam, and ordering diagnostic tests.

Previously, [irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.manhattangastroenterology.com/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/) was diagnosed solely through exclusion, which required ruling out numerous other illnesses and disorders. The modern method focuses mostly on indications and symptoms, with less diagnostic testing.

Testing would be performed depending on a physician's assessment of several criteria, such as family history, symptoms, stressors, and so on.

**IBS Diagnosis Testing**
- Blood tests. A comprehensive blood screening is frequently performed to look for anemia and other abnormalities. Other blood tests to detect tissue damage, inflammation, or celiac disease may also be performed;
- Stool tests often look for intestinal parasites, bacterial infections, or blood in the stool;
- Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are visual exams of the colon and rectum conducted with a scope camera. A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy will be performed if there are warning indications, such as unexplained weight loss or rectal bleeding. In addition, doctors will want to perform one of these exams to screen for colon cancer in individuals aged 50 and older;
- [Barium enema](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-barium-enema). This is an X-ray test. After coating the colon with a barium solution, x-ray images are taken to look for anomalies.
- Psychological tests. Questionnaires to detect anxiety, stress, or depression will be used on occasion, as mental discomfort may be a factor in the development or worsening of IBS symptoms.
- Breath tests. A hydrogen breath test can be used to diagnose lactase deficiency, often known as lactose intolerance. Lactulose or glucose breath tests can be used to detect symptoms of bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.
- Anorectal manometry. This test assesses the muscle and nerve function of the anus and rectum.
- Capsule endoscopy. This procedure looks for Crohn's disease or other abnormalities in the small intestine.

**Diagnosis and Symptoms**
While any of these tests can help a doctor diagnose IBS, the presence of specific symptoms will be the most important aspect of the decision-making process.

The major symptom of IBS is abdominal pain, particularly abdominal pain accompanied by a change in bowel movements. This shift can be identified by the frequency or consistency of stools. If you experience pain combined with diarrhea or constipation, you may have IBS.
IBS sufferers may also have symptoms of abdominal bloating or distension.

Certain abdominal symptoms serve as a warning sign for other more serious conditions that must be addressed before a doctor can diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. These red flag symptoms are:
- Anemia or abnormal blood tests;
- New symptoms emerge after the age of 50;
- Fever;
- Blood in the stool;
- Unintentional weight loss;
- Family history of gastrointestinal illnesses.

**You Have Been Diagnosed with IBS - What to Expect?**
The good news about getting an IBS diagnosis is that you now understand why you're having these gastrointestinal symptoms and can start controlling them to improve your quality of life.

Low FODMAP Diet
More than half of IBS patients report worsened symptoms after consuming particular meals. The [low FODMAP diet](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fodmaps-101) excludes foods that the gut cannot readily digest and can cause a flare-up. These include wheat, dairy, onions, and beans.

IBS Medicines
There are numerous drugs available to treat IBS symptoms, both over-the-counter and prescribed. This includes laxatives, fiber supplements (such as psyllium husks), and anti-diarrhea medications.

Stress has been demonstrated to have a key role in causing IBS flare-ups therefore antidepressants may be administered.

Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
Gut-directed hypnotherapy has been demonstrated to improve gut symptoms such as stomach discomfort, bloating, and nausea by up to 72% without requiring extra drugs or dietary changes. It is hypothesized that patients with IBS have a misunderstanding between their gut and their brain. Messages sent between them may be misunderstood as discomfort or as the need for digestive processes to slow (constipation) or speed up (diarrhea) when they are, in reality, normal. Hypnotherapy for IBS aims to rebalance the gut-brain connection while also relieving stress.