(Update 30.01.2020 by Kirsten Jackson Consultant Dietitian)
Whilst irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is quite a common condition, the symptoms alone are not specific enough for a diagnosis to be made.
Similar symptoms can be seen in bowel cancer, allergies, Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease and small bowel bacterial overgrowth. Therefore, not having a correct diagnosis could be affecting your long term health or even be life threatening.
This guide is based on the National Institute of Clinic Excellence’s (NICE) clinical guideline for IBS management and diagnosis (1).
NICE are an independent body which produce healthcare guidance that is considered the ‘gold standard’ and all GPs will be aware of the content of these guidelines.
Table of Contents
How To Get Diagnosed With IBS?
Firstly, if you think you have IBS then you need to see your GP or family medicine doctor ASAP.
Your doctor will start to consider IBS after they do an initial assessment, where they will ask you questions about your symptom history.
For IBS to be considered, symptoms must have been present for 6 months and include abdominal pain/discomfort, a change in bowel habits (e.g. loose stools/ constipation) and bloating.
IBS definition; “if an individual has abdominal pain or discomfort which is either improved with bowels opening or associated with a change in bowels e.g. frequency or form of stool”
The individual must also have at least 2 of the following symptoms alongside this;
- altered stool passage (straining, urgency, incomplete evacuation)
- bloating, distension, tension or hardness in their abdomen
- symptoms made worse by eating
- mucus with stools
Your doctor will also ask questions around symptoms which could indicate other more serious conditions such as unintentional weight loss, blood in stools or a history of certain cancers in the family.
These are known as ‘red flag’ indicators and would prompt the GP to investigate conditions such as bowel cancer.
Blood Tests
Bloods tests are required in the diagnosis of IBS in order to rule out other conditions.
Tests required for an IBS diagnosis
- Inflammation – CRP
- Infection – White blood cells
- Coeliac disease – TTG
- Inflammatory bowel disease – faecal calprotectin
Other Tests
No other tests are required for the diagnosis of IBS where the above symptom criteria has been met and blood tests are normal.
If your symptoms don’t meet the definition, you have ‘red flags’ or abnormal blood results, the doctor will refer you to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist.
The specialist may want to do further investigations. This may include colonoscopy/ MRI/ hydrogen breath tests or an ultrasound.
Seeing a Dietitian
It is recommended that you see a dietitian after you have an official IBS diagnosis.
A dietitian will help you to pin-point your food triggers and manage your IBS long-term.
If you would like further information on this issue or to book an appointment please contact me.
Kirsten Jackson is a UK registered Consultant Gastroenterology Dietitian and founder of The Food Treatment Clinic. She has undergone many qualifications to get where she is today, including a UK BSc Honours Degree in Dietetics and Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Dietetics. In addition to this, she has FODMAP Training from Kings College London University. Kirsten set up The Food Treatment Clinic in 2015 after first experiencing digestive problems herself. She felt that the NHS was unable to provide the support individuals needed and went on to specialise in this area before opening a bespoke IBS service. Kirsten also participates in charity work as an Expert Advisor for the IBS Network. In addition, she can be seen in publications such as Cosmopolitan and The Telegraph discussing IBS as an Official Media Spokesperson to the IBS Network.
Hello,
I have been struggling after my IBS-C diagnosis on what to do next!
My flare ups are more frequent now so i know i need to take action!
I’m wondering how you could help? The NHS isn’t very helpful.
Hi Jess, I am sorry to hear you are going through this! Have a look at the online program as this would give you instant access to a step by step approach to your IBS. Kirsten x
Hello Kirsten ..I have posted my question before in the “Ask me a question” segment but may be I didn’t catch the reply , So I will try again here , I notice after each meal that is a little bit heavier than a “snack ” say for example ” boiled plain chicken with boiled plain ” No Sauce+ No herbs” Rice , I always get severe Hot Flashes !! I start to feel really hot to the point of sweating , my throught feels hot then I feel dizzy i must lay down and can’t raise my hands up ! to alleviate this strange condition i need to suck ice cubes and put a fan directly on my face even when the AC is on !! this wave can take up to an hour before i feel normal again …any thoughts of why is this happening to me ?
Hi! Sorry this isn’t IBS related – I would suggest speaking to an endocrinologist π
Hi Kirsten. I have had a number of tests, all clear and no significant finds on a tablet endoscopy. They have diagnosed IBS. I have permanent upper right pain witch radiates to the right side of my neck, as if it goes into the neck gland. I have constipation, bloating and the pain is worse when I have a tight waist band. Been struggling for two and a half years. Any ideas why this pain would radiate? Thanks Paula
Hi Paula. It sounds like you have a lot going on here which makes it difficult to be able to pinpoint what is causing symptoms your pain. I cannot give personalised advice without further detailed assessment, however please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like support with this. You can contact us via the website or email on admin@thefoodtreatmentclinic.com