3 Steps To Know if You Have IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complicated and somewhat mysterious functional gut-brain disorder, which means it is characterized by changes in the function of the digestive system and a disconnect in the communication between the gut and the brain. It is a heterogeneous disorder in that no single abnormality accounts for symptoms in all patients. The most common symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and chronic diarrhea and/or constipation. It is classified as IBS-D if diarrhea is the more prevalent symptom, IBS-C if constipation is more prevalent, and IBS-M if there is an equal mixture of the two.
IBS is one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses, and is prevalent in about 10-15% of the population in Western countries. As awareness of IBS grows, many with digestive issues may begin to think they have IBS. If you’re struggling with uncomfortable symptoms and wondering if it could be IBS, here are 3 steps you can take to find out!
Reflect on When Symptoms Started
IBS is diagnosed based on qualifying symptoms and their duration, so it’s important to reflect back to when symptoms began and how they have changed over time. The onset of symptoms can be helpful in diagnosing IBS, as well as understanding the cause, which can then affect the treatment plan. Knowing how symptoms began and how they have changed could also highlight red flags for other conditions that you may want to rule out first.
Have you dealt with chronic symptoms since childhood? Did they progress through your life? Were they onset by stress in college or a foodborne illness? Reflect back on when they started and how they’ve changed over time. For IBS to be diagnosed, the qualifying symptoms must be present for at least 3 months. Write out your history so that you can share it clearly with your doctor.
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Assess Your Symptoms
An IBS diagnosis is also based on qualifying symptoms, so it’s important to track the symptoms you had in the past, as well as the symptoms you have now, and how often they occur. The best way to do this is through a journal. Here’s a resource designed specifically for digestive disorders you can use!
IBS is marked by a change in motility (constipation or diarrhea) and the presence of abdominal pain, which can be related to defecation, the change in stool frequency, or the change in stool form. You can track changes in motility by using the Bristol Stool Chart (found in the journal linked above) to identify the shape (form) of your bowel movements, as well as changes in frequency. This can help diagnose IBS, as well as identify which type you have, which will then influence your treatment plan. If you have looser, more frequent bowel movements, you may lean more towards diarrhea. If you have harder, less frequent bowel movements, you may lean more towards constipation. If you cycle between the two, you may have a mixed type of IBS.
The presence of abdominal pain, at least once per week, is also a qualifying symptom for an IBS diagnosis. This may also be accompanied by bloating and gas, so it’s important to keep track of these symptoms in your log. The symptoms you experience may also be signs of other conditions, that aren’t IBS. These are typically ruled out during the diagnosing process, but can be found more quickly with a log. Other symptoms to look out for include undigested food in the stool, fatty or mucus in the stool, blood in the stool, severe abdominal distention, upper GI symptoms like reflux and heartburn, or anything else that seems abnormal.
Go See a Gastroenterologist
You should NEVER self-diagnose IBS. There are many conditions that can present more risks and be treated differently than IBS that will have very similar symptoms. That’s not meant to scare you, but it is something to take seriously. After you’ve gathered some data about what has been going on in your body, you want to take that information to a knowledgeable gastroenterologist to get a clear diagnosis and any tests that can be helpful to rule out other conditions.
The key here is to find the right doctor to see, as many don’t have the best reputations of providing supportive care for IBS. You can find the right one by asking your IBS community if they know of a good one in your area, and by calling clinics ahead of time to ask what their protocol is for diagnosing and treating IBS. If they don’t seem to provide you with a good answer, you can keep looking around.
Unfortunately, it may take a few tries to find a doctor you connect with. This can be frustrating, I understand. I also know that it is so important to have a good doctor on your team, so it is worth it to keep looking.
Once you have your diagnosis, it’s important to work with a specialized dietitian to begin making dietary and lifestyle changes that will help you take control of your symptoms and get your life back. Your doctor may have one they typically refer to, or you may choose to find one on your own. If you’re looking for a virtual option that provides premium support, my 1:1 program or group program may be a good fit! Learn more by scheduling a consult call here!
Do you want clear guidance to manage your IBS so you can feel confident in your body again?
