ibs medical tests
IBS is often described as a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that other disorders such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease are ruled out before you are diagnosed with IBS. Because of this, IBS sufferers often have to undergo various medical tests, although some sufferers are diagnosed just on the basic of their symptoms.
For most IBS sufferers who do go through these tests the results will come back negative, as IBS intestines do not show any visual signs of problems, such as inflammation or bleeding. However, we still have to go through the tests themselves!
In this section page you can find descriptions of some of the most common tests, alongside personal experiences of each test. Much of the information is from non-copyright material from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse and so should be accurate, but as always please check any specific questions with your own doctors.
Tests are listed in alphabetical order.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Although some people find these tests uncomfortable and occasionally painful, they are vital diagnostic tools. I would always recommend having any and all of these tests if they are recommended by your doctor. You should also make sure you follow your doctor's preparation instructions carefully.
Barium enema
Barium mixture is inserted through an enema and then x-rays are taken of the large
intestine. Also called a lower GI series.
Colonoscopy
A small camera is inserted into the rectum to check for signs of
inflammation and other problems in the large intestine.
Endoscopy
A small camera on an endoscope is swallowed, letting the doctor check the
health of the stomach, esophagus and the first part of the small intestine.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
A camera is inserted through the rectum to check the health of the 'sigmoid'
or descending colon.
Sitz marker test
A test sometimes used for patients with chronic constipation.
Upper GI series
Barium mixture is swallowed and x-rays are taken of the esophagus, stomach
and small intestine.
Virtual colonoscopy
Using x-rays and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional images of
the large intestine and display them on a screen.