Diagnosing IBS

Although there is no specific test available to detect the presence of IBS. This makes diagnosis difficult.

Doctors will look at your history and try to detect a pattern of the above symptoms. If the symptoms have only recently started your doctor may perform some test to rule out for other similar conditions that resemble IBS; such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

A blood test may be required to rule out anaemia and stools will be teated for blood.

Other tests that may be required to rule out other causes of your symptoms include:

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy - examines the lower part of the colon with a flexible, lighted tube.
• Colonoscopy - a small flexible tube is used to examine the entire length of the colon.
• CT scan - produces a cross sectional X-ray image of your internal organs.
• Lactose intolerance tests - lactase is an enzyme you need to digest the sugar found in dairy products. Some people lack this enzyme and consequently this may be causing many of the symptoms.

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