So What is IBS? Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome cannot be made until the following disorders have been conclusively ruled out: Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, celiac sprue, colon cancer, bacterial infections, parasites, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer.

This necessitates a physical examination and the following studies: complete blood count; sedimentation rate; chemistries; stool for ova, parasites, and blood; colonoscopy if older than 50 years; gynecological exam with CA-125 blood test for women. Other diagnostic studies should be minimal and will depend on the symptom subtype. For example, in patients with diarrhea-predominant symptoms, a small bowel radiograph to rule out Crohn's disease, or lactose/dextrose H2 breath test. For patients with pain as the predominant symptom, a plain abdominal radiograph during an acute episode to exclude bowel obstruction and other abdominal pathology. For patients with indigestion, nausea, and bloating, an abdominal ultrasound to rule out gallstones.

-Guidelines of the American Gastroenterological Association

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