What you should know about an IBS diagnosis

Key Points

• IBS is diagnosed through a process of elimination.
• Common symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and irregular bowel habits.
• There are several myths and misconceptions about IBS – always consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

If you’ve been dealing with ongoing digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could be to blame. It’s a fairly common condition affecting around 3 in 10  people. But an IBS diagnosis isn’t always straightforward, and there is no one test that can give a definitive answer.

In this article, we explore how IBS is diagnosed, delve into its common symptoms, debunk myths surrounding its diagnosis, and offer guidance on what steps to take if you receive an IBS diagnosis.

Getting to the bottom of things: how an IBS diagnosis is made

IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that includes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits – symptoms that can greatly impact your quality of life.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward diagnosis; it’s essentially a process of elimination. In other words, your doctor will consider IBS only after they’ve ruled out other potential culprits. Some conditions, such as coeliac disease or lactose intolerance, may cause similar symptoms.

Your doctor may send you for blood tests, stool tests, or even endoscopic investigations such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy. If these tests come back clear and you’ve been grappling with IBS-like symptoms for at least six months, you may receive an IBS diagnosis.

How to test for IBS at home (short answer: don’t)

According to Sarah Gray,  a Registered Pharmacist and Nutritionist, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional about the cause of your symptoms rather than self-eliminating foods that could be the trigger. 

“If you change your diet before you seek advice, your changes may impact and interfere with test results,” she explains. 

Stomach pain or discomfort is one of the signs of IBS

What symptoms might lead to an IBS diagnosis? 

Here are some telltale signs that could point to IBS:

• stomach pain or discomfort
• feeling bloated or gassy
• regular diarrhea or stubborn constipation, sometimes even swinging between the two
• feeling like your bowel movements aren’t fully complete

Other symptoms may include nausea, fatigue, sleep disturbance and headaches.  

3 common myths about IBS

There are several common myths and misconceptions surrounding IBS, which may lead to misdiagnosis or make management difficult.

Myth 1: IBS is just a minor digestive issue

In reality, IBS can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life,  leading to possible discomfort, dietary restrictions and emotional stress.

Myth 2: IBS is solely caused by diet

While diet can influence IBS symptoms, it may not be the sole cause. Genetics, gut motility and an overactive immune system may also play a role.

Myth 3: IBS can be easily self-diagnosed and treated

Self-diagnosis can be misleading, and it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

As Sarah explains, “There is no stock standard approach for everyone with IBS symptoms. If you have symptoms, speak to a doctor and seek to have a diagnosis made as it may not be IBS.”

Practising mindful eating, consuming smaller meals and addressing stress levels may help alleviate some symptoms of IBS

What to do if you receive an IBS diagnosis

Receiving an IBS diagnosis is the first step towards managing your symptoms effectively. Healthcare professionals may recommend various strategies to potentially alleviate symptoms or calm a flare-up. 

Possible strategies to alleviate IBS

• Avoid certain trigger foods like alcohol, caffeine, and fatty foods.
• Follow a specific dietary plan, like the FODMAP diet, tailored to your individual needs.
• Practice mindful eating, which includes consuming smaller, well-balanced meals and eating slowly.
• Manage stress and anxiety, as psychological factors may influence and trigger IBS symptoms.

“Although it can feel challenging, the correct professional advice and guidance can help you get to the bottom of a diagnosis,” shares Sarah. “And if it is IBS, you can work with a dietitian to work out how to manage trigger foods also.”

Consult a healthcare professional to diagnose IBS as self-diagnosis is not advisable

Consult your healthcare practitioner for an accurate diagnosis 

If you suspect you have IBS or need advice on gut health, speak to your healthcare professional. Remember, self-diagnosis and self-treatment is not advisable.

Related:

• What are the worst foods for gut health?
• Can L-glutamine benefit your gut health?
• Can your gut health affect your skin?

Sarah Gray is both a Registered Pharmacist and Registered Nutritionist with a particular interest in health education and helping people to take small steps to big change in their health journey. Sarah is the Chief of Health Operations and Innovation at healthylife and sits on the healthylife Advisory Board.

Reviewed by the Healthylife Advisory Board October 2023.