How can i know for sure if i have Irritable bowel syndrome ?!
Question: How can i know for sure if i have Irritable bowel syndrome !?
i have most of the symptoms but i want to make sure, what kind of tests do i have to take!? and if it turned out that i do have IBS i know there is no treatment for it so what do you suggest i should eat or take as a pain relief!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
PART 4: DIAGNOSIS
4!.1: How do I know for sure if I have IBS!?
Since there is no diagnostic marker associated with IBS, the diagnosis is
based on symptoms and by excluding other diseases which may have a similar
presentation!. The extent of the medical evaluation which is necessary
prior
to making a diagnosis of IBS will vary depending on the duration of
symptoms, the patient's age and clinical presentation!. For example, recent
onset of symptoms in an older patient will require more extensive testing
than a younger person with unchanged symptoms for many years!. Most
patients, however, will be given a thorough physical exam which is
performed
mainly to rule out other medical illnesses!. If further testing is
necessary
it will usually be directed toward the predominant symptom!. For example,
patients with significant diarrhea will often undergo stool tests for ova
and parasite, and malabsorption if clinically indicated!. On the other
hand,
patients with constipation will often undergo tests such as radiopaque
marker studies (Sitzmarker) for colonic functioning and anorectal manometry
for pelvic floor functioning!. Most patients over the age of 50 years
should have a flexible sigmoidoscopy!. In addition, if occult blood is
found
by either rectal exam or on hem-occult testing a colonoscopy may be
necessary!.
Some commonly performed tests are listed below:
- Lower G!.I!. x-ray (a!.k!.a!. the barium enema)
- Small bowel series x-ray
- Stool parasite culture
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy and/or colonoscopy
It is important to note that the ONLY way to be absolutely certain you have
IBS is through a doctor's diagnosis!.
4!.1!.2: Is IBS really a "cop-out" diagnosis!? Should I just accept it!?
Many times a person may think that he or she is being "slighted" by being
given a diagnosis of IBS!. Unfortunately, to some doctors, IBS is not
considered a "true" disease, but rather an unimportant minor condition
(when
in reality it is hardly all that "minor" to those who have to deal with
it),
and therefore may not be given the medical attention it deserves!. Don't
despair; there ARE competent doctors out there who are very good at dealing
with IBS cases!. A good doctor won't just tell you that you have IBS and
give up on you!. He or she should be willing to go over your questions and
concerns, and outline and monitor a program of treatment for your
individual
case of IBS!. If you suspect that you have not had a thorough enough
examination for other diseases before the doctor tells you that you have
IBS, you should seek a second opinion!.
-----
PART 5: TREATMENT
5!.1: What are the treatments for IBS!?
The treatment of IBS is based on the severity and the nature of each
person's symptoms and the effect psychosocial factors are having on their
illness behavior!. Therefore, each person's therapy is tailored to their
symptoms and may include one or more of the following: lifestyle changes,
pharmacological treatment, and psychological treatment!. Therefore, there
really is no "one" good general treatment for IBS!. Different things work
for different people, and unfortunately the only way to know exactly what
works for you is by trial-and-errorWww@Answer-Health@Com
4!.1: How do I know for sure if I have IBS!?
Since there is no diagnostic marker associated with IBS, the diagnosis is
based on symptoms and by excluding other diseases which may have a similar
presentation!. The extent of the medical evaluation which is necessary
prior
to making a diagnosis of IBS will vary depending on the duration of
symptoms, the patient's age and clinical presentation!. For example, recent
onset of symptoms in an older patient will require more extensive testing
than a younger person with unchanged symptoms for many years!. Most
patients, however, will be given a thorough physical exam which is
performed
mainly to rule out other medical illnesses!. If further testing is
necessary
it will usually be directed toward the predominant symptom!. For example,
patients with significant diarrhea will often undergo stool tests for ova
and parasite, and malabsorption if clinically indicated!. On the other
hand,
patients with constipation will often undergo tests such as radiopaque
marker studies (Sitzmarker) for colonic functioning and anorectal manometry
for pelvic floor functioning!. Most patients over the age of 50 years
should have a flexible sigmoidoscopy!. In addition, if occult blood is
found
by either rectal exam or on hem-occult testing a colonoscopy may be
necessary!.
Some commonly performed tests are listed below:
- Lower G!.I!. x-ray (a!.k!.a!. the barium enema)
- Small bowel series x-ray
- Stool parasite culture
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy and/or colonoscopy
It is important to note that the ONLY way to be absolutely certain you have
IBS is through a doctor's diagnosis!.
4!.1!.2: Is IBS really a "cop-out" diagnosis!? Should I just accept it!?
Many times a person may think that he or she is being "slighted" by being
given a diagnosis of IBS!. Unfortunately, to some doctors, IBS is not
considered a "true" disease, but rather an unimportant minor condition
(when
in reality it is hardly all that "minor" to those who have to deal with
it),
and therefore may not be given the medical attention it deserves!. Don't
despair; there ARE competent doctors out there who are very good at dealing
with IBS cases!. A good doctor won't just tell you that you have IBS and
give up on you!. He or she should be willing to go over your questions and
concerns, and outline and monitor a program of treatment for your
individual
case of IBS!. If you suspect that you have not had a thorough enough
examination for other diseases before the doctor tells you that you have
IBS, you should seek a second opinion!.
-----
PART 5: TREATMENT
5!.1: What are the treatments for IBS!?
The treatment of IBS is based on the severity and the nature of each
person's symptoms and the effect psychosocial factors are having on their
illness behavior!. Therefore, each person's therapy is tailored to their
symptoms and may include one or more of the following: lifestyle changes,
pharmacological treatment, and psychological treatment!. Therefore, there
really is no "one" good general treatment for IBS!. Different things work
for different people, and unfortunately the only way to know exactly what
works for you is by trial-and-errorWww@Answer-Health@Com
Basically just see the doctor!. Even if what you say is true about no treatments, the doctor will prescribe something to help you!. Don't treat it by yourself!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
You need to see a gastroenterologist Www@Answer-Health@Com