Irritable bowel is one of the most common disorders affecting the large intestine. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, about one in five Americans suffer from the condition. The disorder is more common in women. Though IBS causes symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea, bloating, gas and constipation, IBS doesn't lead to serious complications like cancer. Making a diagnosis for the condition may require multiple tests to make a definitive diagnosis.
Rome Criteria
The Rome criteria is an identifying criteria for IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, specific signs and symptoms must be identified with the Rome criteria before a doctor can diagnose IBS. Under this criteria, you must have abdominal cramping and pain that lasts for almost 12 weeks. You also must meet two of the following requirements: a change in your stool habits, such as having normal stools to having loose stools, straining when trying to have a bowel movement, mucus within the stool, or bloating.
Lactose Tests
In order to digest sugars found within dairy products, you need an enzyme known as lactase. If your body isn't capable to produce this enzyme, you can have symptoms that are similar to IBS. You'll need to take a test that is much like a breathalyzer to see if you excrete the enzyme in your breath. You then may need to abstain from dairy products for a few weeks. If not eating dairy helps improve your symptoms, then you're lactose intolerant. However, if you continue to suffer from symptoms, the diagnosis will lean toward IBS.
Blood Tests
Your doctor may take samples of your blood to rule out other medical conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may be checked for Celiac disease, which is a sensitivity to wheat. Celiac disease can mimic symptoms and signs of IBS. You also may be asked to abstain from products that contain wheat for a few weeks to confirm a diagnosis of Celiac disease. If the blood tests come back negative, and you still have symptoms, an IBS diagnosis is likely.
Other Tests
You may undergo additional tests to rule out other conditions. Stool samples may be ordered to check for any possible intestinal infections, or you could undergo a colonscopy to examine your colon. A flexible sigmoidoscopy is used to examine the lower part of the colon, known as the sigmoid. A CT scan also may be ordered to examine your abdomen and pelvis to make sure there are no tumors.
Self Help
Simple measures can help offer you relief from IBS. Dietary changes can often provide long-term relief. It will take some time to experiment with your diet before you can find a resolution that works. Often fiber can help with IBS. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should take Metamucil and Citrucel. The key is to gradually incorporate fiber into your diet so you don't suffer from additional cramping and gas. Some foods can trigger symptoms. These foods include alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, dairy, cabbage, beans and broccoli. Avoiding these foods can help relieve symptoms.
Tags: According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic, Celiac disease, Mayo Clinic, suffer from