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8. There's No Way to Accurately Diagnose IBS
Many people believe that IBS is a sort of default diagnosis, a label for the unidentified source of your gastric distress. However, there is a very specific set of criteria, known as the Rome Criteria, which is incredibly helpful in diagnosing IBS and separating it from other GI problems.
Since it has been revised multiple times, the current Rome Criteria is the most accurate and up-to-date diagnostic tool for IBS. However, in some cases, further tests may be used to rule out other possible conditions. A colonoscopy is not necessary for an IBS diagnosis, but it may be useful if your doctor suspects you’re at risk for another intestinal disease.
The better you understand your IBS, the better you will be able to control it. Take time to talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and the most suitable treatment options. It can take some trial and error to get things under control, but don’t give up — there are plenty of approaches to try, and lots of support to help you along your way.
Resources
EverdayHealth (Common IBS Misconceptions)IBS Treatment Center (4 Common Misconceptions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome)AboutHealth (Top 10 Myths About Irritable Bowel Syndrome)IFFGD (IBS in Men: A Different Disease?)Mayo Clinic (Colon Cancer/ Risk Factors)
IBS and migraine headaches may have a link as recent research has found that about half of all IBS patients deal with frequent headaches.
