Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

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Title: Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Word Count: 551

Author: Dr. Phil Hariram

Email: harirams@...

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Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Copyright 2006 Dr. Phil Hariram

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) belongs to a group of

conditions called Medically Unexplained Diseases or

Disorders (MUD). Fibromyalgia Syndrome is also in this

group. IBS is a functional disorder. In other words, you

have symptoms but there is no structural abnormality. It is

the most common condition seen by Gastroenterologists and

the most common gastrointestinal condition seen by the

family doctor.

Diagnosis is easier since the introduction of the Manning

Criteria and more recently the Rome Criteria. The Rome 11

Criteria gives family physicians the confidence to diagnose

Irritable Bowel Syndrome without invasive tests. This is

very useful especially in the very young.

IBS is a very common condition and, as a large percent of

sufferers do not see their GP, the incidence could be as

high as 20% globally. It is more common in women. It is

also a heavy burden not only to the sufferer but to the

health professionals and health providers.

Abdominal pain is an important symptom in the diagnosis of

Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A patient attended my surgery and

said she had IBS. Her only symptom was bloating. She had a

flat tummy when she woke up but by the end of the day, she

looked like she was nine months pregnant. She had no pain

or altered bowel habit or form. This is not Irritable Bowel

syndrome but one of the many functional disorders that

affect the gut. and Heaton produced a long list of

functional gastrointestinal disorders. Quite a few overlap

with IBS.

For the diagnosis of IBS, according to the Rome 11

Criteria, you must have abdominal pain or discomfort for at

least 12 weeks in a year plus two of the following in the

absence of structural or metabolic abnormalities to explain

the symptoms. Relief of pain with defecation. Pain

associated with change in frequency of bowel movement.

Pain associated with a change in form of stools.

IBS sufferers also have rectal symptoms such as urgency and

incomplete emptying. Urgency can cause faecal incontinence.

Although this is uncommon, it is a source of severe

embarrassment. Bloating is common in Irritable Bowel

Syndrome. IBS sufferers are aware of their rumbling tummy

and wind. Mucus was a common feature in the past but is not

a significant feature today.

Non colonic symptoms of IBS include tiredness and lethargy,

urgency and frequency to micturate, backache, pain during

intercourse and painful periods in women.

Statistics show that a large percent of Irritable Bowel

Syndrome patients wait years before seeing a doctor. These

individuals are making their own diagnoses. IBS patients

should have a diagnosis established by a health

professional. Some serious illnesses have similar symptoms

as IBS. Subclinical Ulcerative Colitis can mimic Irritable

Bowel Syndrome.

Patients who suspect they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome

must see their doctor if they have any of the following

symptoms. Unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite

(anorexia), bleeding from the rectum and symptoms first

appearing after the age of 50. See your family doctor if

you have IBS symptoms and you have a family history of

colon cancer or polyp. There is a higher incident of

haemorrhoids (piles) in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and

haemorrhoids can cause bleeding from the rectum. Bleeding

from the rectum is, however, a red flag symptom and can

point to serious underlying disease. Check it out.

About the Author:

Dr.Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner. He has

treated IBS patients for 27 years. He understands why

hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for IBS. His ebook,

“Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You take control.” gives a

unique insight into how IBS is viewed by the Subconscious

Mind and how it can be altered for better and lasting

control of IBS.

http://www.healingibs.com