• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

THE IBS DIETITIAN

Kirsten Jackson Consultant BSc Hons PG Cert RD

  • Home
  • Services
    • VIP 121 Programme
    • Group Programmes
      • Take Control – Group Program
      • Weight Loss For IBS
  • About
    • Kirsten Jackson
    • Podcast
    • Blog
    • Client Testimonials
  • Contact

How to Get an Official IBS Diagnosis

by Kirsten Jackson Specialist Dietitian 4 Comments

(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.

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.

Please follow and like us:
error
fb-share-icon
Tweet
fb-share-icon

Filed Under: Medical advice for IBS Tagged With: IBS diagnosis, IBS testing

About Kirsten Jackson Specialist Dietitian

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.

Previous Post: « How To Manage Your Weight in PCOS
Next Post: Low FODMAP, Gluten Free & Dairy Free Sticky Ginger Cake »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jess Motler says

    at

    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.

    Reply
    • Kirsten Jackson Specialist Dietitian says

      at

      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

      Reply
  2. shahad says

    at

    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 ?

    Reply
    • Kirsten Jackson Specialist Dietitian says

      at

      Hi! Sorry this isn’t IBS related – I would suggest speaking to an endocrinologist 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

free webinar

the.ibsdietitian

🙋🏼‍♀️I help women control their IBS through nutrition and lifestyle changes
💩 1:1 coaching & group programmes
👇 Take Control Membership Program OPEN‼️

Kirsten The IBS Dietitian
SHARE THIS POST - RAISE AWARENESS. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SHARE THIS POST - RAISE AWARENESS.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤷‍♀️How does your IBS impact your life? Comment below ⬇️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️IBS is so much more than the symptoms you have to deal with every day. It is what these symptoms bring. How they impact your life.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
😢IBS impacts everything from your mental health and your energy levels to things that others take for granted..like what clothes you can wear that day.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🎉BUT you do not need to suffer with this anymore because my IBS Take Control Program is open for 2021 registration (It will close at the end of this week (or earlier if all slots are taken up).
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The Take Control Membership Program gives you access to step by step tutorials from me on how to understand your IBS and how to control it.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As a member, you will also get access to
✅Group calls with me each week
✅Access to a private community for support
✅Weekly goals setting for progress
✅Weekly positivity reflection task
✅Membership discounts
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🔗You can sign up via the link in my bio.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️You have questions? Hey! That is NORMAL - just post below or message me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#ibsdiet #guthealth #ibsfood #guthealth #lowfodmapdiet #guthealthy #guthealing #guthealthdiet #guthealthiskey #bloating #gutmicrobes #gutscience #healthylife #lowfodmapdiet #bloating #irritablebowelsyndrome #fodmapfree  #gutinstinct #healthygut #goodguthealth #gutfood #trustyourgut #chronichealth #microbiome #fermentedfoods #dubaidietitian #londondietitian #dubailife #healthcareexpert
SAVE THIS POST - USE AS A REFERENCE! .⠀⠀⠀⠀ SAVE THIS POST - USE AS A REFERENCE! .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤷‍♀️Can you tolerate coffee? Comment below ⬇️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️ Coffee contains the active ingredient caffeine. Although we think of caffeine as an everyday thing, it is a drug and does have an impact on our body. In IBS, this impact may be negative in the form of over stimulating bowels. It can also worsen anxiety and prevent good quality sleep, both of these aspects then have a knock on impact on your IBS. 

🤔Instead of blindly avoiding all coffee (which may not be needed). Here are some top tips from the Take Control Membership:
1️⃣ Never exceed 400mg caffeine a day (this is the general guidelines for a healthy intake and is lower for those pregnant and breast feeding) 
2️⃣ Reduce intake gradually to avoid headaches. 
3️⃣ Avoid coffee after mid-day (it's long 1/2 life means it may still be in your system when trying to sleep otherwise). 
4️⃣ Track your bowel habits and mood against intake to see if it is causing an issue.
5️⃣ Coffee isn't all bad for IBS - if you have IBS-C,  you may find that it helps you go! 

‼️ Have you downloaded my free 'morning guide' yet? (the link is in my bio).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#ibsdiet #guthealth #ibsfood #guthealth #lowfodmapdiet #guthealthy #guthealing #guthealthdiet #guthealthiskey #bloating #gutmicrobes #gutscience #healthylife #lowfodmapdiet #bloating #irritablebowelsyndrome #fodmapfree  #loseweight #gutinstinct #healthygut #goodguthealth #gutfood #trustyourgut #anxiety #chronichealth #lowmood #coffeelover #coffee #coffeeaddict #codffe
SHARE THIS POST - RAISE AWARENESS.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤷‍♀️Have you ever been called a fussy eater before? Comment below ⬇️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️ When you have IBS there may be multiple foods that cause you a reaction. Take the time to explain this to loved ones...you are not avoiding foods for the fun of it!.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
‼️ Have you downloaded my free morning guide yet? (the link is in my bio).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#ibsdiet #guthealth #ibsfood #guthealth #lowfodmapdiet #guthealthy #guthealing #guthealthdiet #guthealthiskey #bloating #gutmicrobes #gutscience #healthylife #lowfodmapdiet #bloating #irritablebowelsyndrome #fodmapfree  #loseweight #gutinstinct #healthygut #goodguthealth #gutfood #trustyourgut #anxiety #chronichealth #lowmood
SAVE THIS POST - FOR REFERENCE. 🤷‍♀️Have SAVE THIS POST - FOR REFERENCE.

🤷‍♀️Have you heard of SIBO before? Comment below ⬇️

🙋‍♀️SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is a condition caused by..you guessed it...an overgrowth of bacteria in the small bowel. It is unclear what causes SIBO but it does seem to be linked with PPI medications, low immunity and poor gut motility.

🤓The management of SIBO is difficult. Because the best diagnostic tools we currently have are not very accurate and the current treatments for SIBO are mostly antibiotics. We often see in practise that SIBO tends to return after antibiotic treatment, likely due the underlying cause not being treated.
 
🤓SIBO management;
✅Antibiotics
✅Addressing motility (avoiding constipation)
✅Optimising good gut bacteria (so it can thrive and compete with bad bacteria)
✅Elemental diet - some limited research to support this use as a treatment.
❓Low FODMAP diet - no evidence but the theory is that these FODMAPs will feed the bad bacteria so avoidance of them whilst taking antibiotics may allow the antibiotics to work better. 
❌Herbs - no placebo controlled trials to support this or any logical theory.

🤓Ultimately we have very limited research in this area. I tend to work with gastroenterologists on this one to first have the condition diagnosed and then get the individuals gut in a place where the antibiotics are mostly likely to work.

‼️ If you haven't already, do not forget to sign up to my free Veganuary IBS Guide (the link is in my bio).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 

#ibsdiet #guthealth #ibsfood #guthealth #lowfodmapdiet #guthealthy #guthealing #guthealthdiet #guthealthiskey #bloating #gutmicrobes #gutscience #healthylife #lowfodmapdiet #bloating #irritablebowelsyndrome #fodmapfree  #sibo #sibodiet
THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING OUTSIDE?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤷‍♀️How often do you get outside each week? For how long? Comment below ⬇️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️When I discuss movement with my clients, I often find that either they rely on the gym / computer or simply do not do any exercise. And before you say, it is because of the weather, even my clients in warmer climates have a similar pattern. Failure to go outside in the day can be disruptive to your circadian rhythm (sleep cycle) and we know this is connected to you gut. Outside exercise can also beneficial to your gut microbiota.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤓So keep it simple and schedule in a 30 minute walk each day (15 mins out and back...not difficult at all :).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⏩⏩Have you downloaded my free Veganuary for IBS guide yet? The link is in the bio!.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#bloating #diarrhoea #constipation #tummypain #bloatingremedy #irritablebowelsyndrome #ibs #ibsdiet #foodanxiety #chronichealthcondition #chronicallyunwell #bodyimage #celebratingwomen #foodbaby #bodyimage #ibstriggers #lowFODMAPdiet #fodmapfree #lowFODMAP theibsdietitian #jebeljais #uaehiking #uaedietitian #dubaidietitian
SAVE THIS POST AS A REMINDER!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SAVE THIS POST AS A REMINDER!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤷‍♀️Which emotion are you today? Comment below ⬇️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️when you have IBS, it is a whirlwind of emotion. One minute, everything is going well and then suddenly you have a flare up of symptoms. Or perhaps you are anxious about what your bowels may do. This whirlwind is due to having a limited understanding of your triggers and so you simply can not avoid them. Instead of this, opt for the low FODMAP process which will guide you step by step to pinpointing your trigger foods.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⏩⏩Have you downloaded my latest free guide? “Veganuary for IBS.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#bloating #diarrhoea #constipation #tummypain #bloatingremedy #irritablebowelsyndrome #ibs #ibsdiet #foodanxiety #chronichealthcondition #chronicallyunwell #bodyimage #celebratingwomen #foodbaby #bodyimage #ibstriggers #lowFODMAPdiet #fodmapfree #lowFODMAP theibsdietitian #mentalhealth #womensmentalhealth #emotions #upsanddowns #anxietytriggers
COMMENT 'VIP' BELOW IF YOU WANT THIS OUTCOME ⬇️(I will direct message you)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️Who would say their quality of life is negatively impacted by their gut health?.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤓Research shows that IBS is directly linked to poor gut health, so it is not surprising that this was the main outcome for this client.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️If you would like information about the VIP programme...working with myself over 3 months to get to the bottom of your gut health then comment VIP below or DM me so we can have a chat.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#bloating #diarrhoea #constipation #tummypain #bloatingremedy #irritablebowelsyndrome #ibs #ibsdiet #foodanxiety #chronichealthcondition #chronicallyunwell #bodyimage #celebratingwomen #foodbaby #bodyimage #ibstriggers #lowFODMAPdiet #fodmapfree #lowFODMAP theibsdietitian #guthealthoutcome #chronichealthproblem #dubaihealth #dubaidietitian
SAVE THIS POST - USE AS A GUIDE!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SAVE THIS POST - USE AS A GUIDE!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤷‍♀️Do you have any symptoms of IBD? Comment below ⬇️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️I always advise my clients that they MUST get an accurate IBS diagnosis, this includes ruling out IBD.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤓IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease. Although many symptoms are similar, the condition is not. IBD is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation in the GI tract. So, make sure you have the correct testing done (a fecal calprotectin test).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⏩⏩Do not forget to grab your FREE download on IBS and Veganuary (link in my bio).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#bloating #diarrhoea #constipation #tummypain #bloatingremedy #irritablebowelsyndrome #ibs #ibsdiet #foodanxiety #chronichealthcondition #chronicallyunwell #bodyimage #celebratingwomen #foodbaby #ibstriggers #lowFODMAPdiet #fodmapfree #lowFODMAP theibsdietitian #autoimmunedisease #bloodinstool #gastroenterologist #immunesystem #inflammatorybowelsyndrome #chronsdisease #ulcerativecolitis #IBD #IBDfighter
ARE YOU GUILTY OF STAYING UP Late? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ARE YOU GUILTY OF STAYING UP Late?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤷‍♀️ Give me a 😅 below if this is you? Comment below ⬇️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🙋‍♀️ Sleep is such an important factor in our general health as well as gut health.. Yet we seem to put it at the bottom of the list after fitness and nutrition.. Why? Whilst chatting to @drsalihaafridi recently she summed it up.. We evented electricity! .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🤓Poor quality and or quantity of sleep will reduce your mental wellbeing and negatively impact your gut. It also impacts your food choices. 

👍We cover sleep hygiene in my Take Control Programme (available for joining at the end of this month). In the meantime, here are some easy tips. 
✳️ Use @off_the_grid_app (to block your phone overnight!) 
✳️ Read before bed
✳️ Have a hot shower before bed to relax your muscles
✳️ Go to bed and get up at the same time each day
✳️ Use an eye mask⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⏩⏩ If you would like to know more about my Take Control Programme then please DM me so I see if you are suitable and also give you some details 😊. 
⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#bloating #diarrhoea #constipation #tummypain #bloatingremedy #irritablebowelsyndrome #ibs #ibsdiet #foodanxiety #chronichealthcondition #chronicallyunwell #bodyimage #celebratingwomen #foodbaby #bodyimage #ibstriggers #lowFODMAPdiet #fodmapfree #lowFODMAP #ibsdietian ##sleepaid #sleep #whywesleep #restandrecovery #randr #sleephygiene #sleeper
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Privacy Statement

Privacy and Cookies

Contact

Contact

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.