Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Diagnosis

A detailed history, physical examination and limited diagnostic tests help confirm an IBS diagnosis. More extensive testing is reserved for specific situations. A psychological evaluation is also useful in relating IBS to quality of life, anxiety and stress.

Complications

• Relieved by passage of stools
• Accompanied by change in frequency of stools at the onset
• Accompanied by change in consistency of stools at the onset

In addition, the patient must also have two of the following features at least 25% of the times:

• Recurrent diarrhoea can lead to weight loss and mal-absorption.
• Predominant constipation IBS can increase the risk of piles and fissure.
• Persistent pain prevents day-to-day activities, work, concentration and productivity.
• IBS also has a psychological impact; some of the resulting complications are fear of social gatherings and parties, fear of travelling, fear of eating outside food, depression, stress and burden of the disease, and increased anxiety.