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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosis
How Do We Diagnose Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Part of what makes Stanford Health Care different is our comprehensive approach to care. Working with a team that includes specialists from the Autonomic Disorders Program, we conduct a range of tests to thoroughly understand your condition. This helps us find the treatments that can best meet your needs.
There is no single test for diagnosing IBS. However, most people experience certain signs and symptoms. You likely have IBS if you experience abdominal pain or discomfort at least three times a month for at least three months, along with any of the following:
- Bowel movements that occur more or less often than usual
- Stool that appears less solid and more watery, or harder and more lumpy, than usual
- Having a bowel movement that provides temporary relief from abdominal discomfort
We can diagnose IBS with minimal testing. However, symptoms of IBS often resemble other conditions. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, you may need one or more tests to confirm your diagnosis.
These tests may include:
- Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan: Using X-rays and special computer software, this test creates two- and three-dimensional images of your intestines. Providing alternative views of your bowel, pancreas and other organs, CT scans help us examine details that might not be visible through other imaging tests.
- Abdominal X-ray: A standard X-ray of your small intestine to identify abnormalities or blockages
- Barium enema/lower GI series: X-ray study of your rectum, large intestine and the lower part of your small intestine, using a special dye containing barium. This chemical helps show the fine details of your intestines. Learn more about barium enema/lower GI series testing.
- Blood tests: Using a sample of your blood, we may run a number of tests including:
- Complete blood count to look for signs of anemia and infections
- Electrolyte and kidney function panel to look for electrolyte abnormalities and liver issues
- Albumin tests to assess your nutritional status
- Bacterial overgrowth breath test: Examining gases in your breath can show whether you have a bacterial overgrowth in your intestines. This condition is common among people who have had bowel surgery or diseases that slow digestion, such as diabetes.
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: Examining the entire length of your colon (screening colonoscopy) or just the lower part of your colon (sigmoidoscopy) with the help of a small flexible tube and tiny camera we insert into your rectum (endoscope). Learn more about Endoscopy at Stanford Health Care.
- Lactose intolerance test: This simple breath test shows whether you lack the enzymes necessary to digest sugars found in dairy products (lactose intolerance), which can also cause abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea.
- Stool culture: Examining a sample of your stool to test for bacteria, parasites, or viruses in your intestines. A stool culture test can also identify microscopic amounts of blood, white blood cells, and evidence of food intolerances.