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| Symptoms |
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IBS does not cause any change in the structure of the bowel, therefore it cannot be detected through x-rays, blood tests, stool examinations, or any other diagnostic tests.
IBS should always be diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner. Doctors are able to diagnose the condition based on a pattern of the primary symptoms of IBS, using criteria set out by a panel of international experts. According to the criteria, IBS is classified as:
A person who has in the past year, suffered for at least 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) from abdominal discomfort or pain that has two out of the following three features:
- Pain/discomfort is relieved with bowel movement; and/or
- Pain/discomfort is associated with a change in frequency of bowel movement; and/or
- Pain/discomfort is associated with a change in appearance of bowel motions.
IBS can affect people in very different ways. There are a number of additional symptoms which may be experienced by IBS sufferers, including:
- Rumbling noises and excessive passage of wind
- An urgent need to rush to the toilet and faecal incontinence
- A sharp pain felt low down inside the rectum
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Backache
- Muscles and joint pains
- Passing urine frequently
- Ringing in the ears
- Belching
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety and depression
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| Only a qualified medical professional can provide a firm diagnosis of IBS. Therefore it is essential that you make an appointment to see your doctor if you suspect that you may be experiencing symptoms of IBS. Click here for a quick checklist you can print out and take with you when you see your doctor, to help explain the symptoms you are experiencing. |
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| What causes IBS? |
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| Options for treating the symptoms of IBS |
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