IBS test

[TotesHarding]

Hi there, I want to do a test for IBS and I wanted to do it privately, which test should I go for? I've seen this site and not sure which one would test for IBS? monitormyhealth.org.uk/full....

[Maureen1958]

There are no tests in the UK at present, see link below:

nhs.uk/conditions/irritable...

[Luisa22]

Okay, there is no test for IBS. Apart from conclusions a doctor might come to based on the "Rome Criteria". But that isn't a clinical test as such. It's just if you tick the boxes for classic IBS symptoms. Personally I think conclusions based on that alone are unscientific.

There are only tests for other things. When those things are eliminated, IBS is often the conclusion.

You could definitely do some stool testing for "occult blood" and for inflammation markers such as Calprotectin and lactoferrin. If there are postive results, say on two separate tests taken a week or so apart, then you may want to investigate further by booking an apppointment with a GI specialist and a colonoscopy.

Tests for bile acid malabsorption can be helpful if you have IBS with diarrhea.

Blood tests, for celiac disease and any other clues.

I am not sure about any microbiome tests, food allergy testing, or even SIBO testing I'm afraid. I am not sure they are completely reliable.

I am sure other people here may have more suggestions to help.

[TotesHarding in reply to Luisa22]

Thank you very much for your reply.

[Mosey1702 in reply to Luisa22]

Thanks Luisa. Your knowledge of IBS is very impressive and helpful for trying to managing IBS.

[the-ibsdietitian]

Please only do the testing through your doctor. You need a specific set of tests to rule out other conditions and may need further testing if you are displaying more unusual symptoms or are at an age where you are at a higher risk. The doctor will need to assess you in detail.

[Viklou]

Like others have said there is no test for IBS. Basically it's something based on exclusions based on other tests showing no issues

[xjrs]

Your GP practice is the best place since they need to rule out other things. This is the way that IBS is diagnosed:

nhs.uk/conditions/irritable...

[Casand11]

As others have said,unfortunately there isn't a specific test to determine IBS. My GP examined my abdomen for any lumps or bumps,did a rectal investigation,blood tests to check blood count,liver function and anemia,poo sample and then a scan. All were clear so at this point it was classed as IBS c. It's good to go through your GP to rule out more sinister problems but equally once you get to that point there's not a lot more they can do. Mine prescribed laxatives and gave the usual advice of eating more fibre,drinking more water,exercise,prebiotics etc! Still suffering sadly but slightly less worried that it's something worse ! This is a great forum for getting advice and feeling reassured by other people's experiences! Good luck

[Jadiegirl]

as someone else has said, there are no tests for IBS in UK ad we don't have any tests here in the US either- it is a process of elimination and guess work- no mri or ct shows it and doctors will tell you get a colonoscopy but that does not show it either- so I wouldn't put myself thru the agony of the colonoscopy or any other invasive procedure- these tests only show you if you have something else wrong and most of the time don't show anything- up to you but if you have the symptoms odds are you have IBS I am not a doctor but have been thru this and determined myself from research that I have anxiety induced IBS -it started after I got COVID last October-was totally fine before that and I am 72 years old- got to my internal medicine doctor and started on generic Zoloft in March and am now just about symptom free other than having to eat small meals and staying away from a few food items Anyway, wanted to just give you a different take on this- it is nasty stuff and I hope you can get some help with it

[Luisa22 in reply to Jadiegirl]

It's so good that Zoloft has helped you. That just shows it's best not to jump to conclusions, as many people and doctors would have suspected post-infectious IBS, but that conclusion wouldn't have helped you.

My IBS started about a month before my Covid infection in early April 2020. It seemed to happen suddenly but I had slight upset tummy on a few rare occasions since 2017. In my case Covid did a weird thing. It made my gut feel better!! But the IBS came back about 6 weeks after recovery. I am not sure if Covid affected things or not.

[MatthewU]

IBS is always a elimination diagnosis, but it's import that you do it just to exclude any nasties and for your own peace of mind. Assuming everything comes back as normal you need to look at your diet, avoid processed foods, avoid wheat and dairy, citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause flare ups, control anxiety possibly with a low dose SSRI from your doctor, supplement diet with high value Probiotics, take vitamin D daily throughout the year, avoid coffee and black tea, spirits and beers - red wine is ok in moderation, try L Glutamine for leaky gut; finally try to work out your own food/life triggers

[Arcadia115]

Try reading The Glucose Revolution. I’ve tried everything else. This is definitely made a big difference to me. I have also started wearing a continuous blood glucose meter together with eating the way the book suggests. That’s a game changer. I was in bed with a hot water bottle a couple of times in my first week but that’s gone now along with a lot of the IBS symptoms.