You may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- A recurring change in bowel movements that can alternate between chronic constipation and bouts of diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Painful bloating
- Flatulence/gas
- Abdominal discomfort, usually in the lower abdominal area
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is diagnosed based on these criteria:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort that lasts for at least 12 weeks out of the previous 12 months.
- Pain is relieved by having a bowel movement.
- When the pain starts, there is a change in the frequency of bowel movements or a change in the form of the stool.
The following tests and procedures may help you find out what is causing Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
- Online Self-assessments – Self-assessments, such as the Candidiasis Self-assessment and the Magnesium Assessment, can help you determine some of the root cause(s) of your chronic conditions. Learn more about Self-assessments.
- Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis – Can help to rule out chronic conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease).6
- Blood tests – Can rule out underlying conditions that may be causing abdominal discomfort.
- Sigmoidoscopy – A special instrument is used by your healthcare professional to examine the lower part of the colon and rectum to determine the reason for abdominal discomfort.
- Colonoscopy – A special instrument is used by your healthcare professional to examine the entire colon to determine any illness that may be causing abdominal discomfort.
Additional Information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome Overview
- Common causes of irritable bowel syndrome
- Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for irritable bowel syndrome
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
- Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
- Cited Sources and Additional Reading for irritable bowel syndrome
