Irritable Bowel Syndrome (often shortened to IBS) is a common Functional Bowel Disorder. IBS often goes undiagnosed leaving many people dealing with debilitating gut symptoms for many years.
For IBS diagnosis, there are no pathophysiological diagnostic tests, like blood tests or gut biopsies. Instead, we rely on special symptom criteria where we assess gut symptoms over time. This symptom criteria is related to defecation and is associated with a change in the frequency and consistency of the stool, persisting for at least 6-months.
Confusingly, IBS symptoms can also overlap with other gastrointestinal diseases like Coeliac Disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Diagnoses of these other diseases need to be ruled out, which is why it’s important to see a qualified Healthcare Practitioner like an Accredited Practising Dietitian to provide clarity and confidence around your condition.