IBS can be diagnosed if the clinical presentation satisfy certain criteria especially if other important diagnoses have also been excluded. There is unfortunately no one single test which can confirm or exclude IBS since this condition is generally classified as a functional bowel problem.
The good news is IBS does not degenerate into other more serious conditions such as cancer. However, the symptoms of IBS can be disturbing to outright disabling at times.
Not all IBS cases require follow-up under a specialist. Advise and standard treatment from your GP may go a long way. If there are "red flag" signs or symptoms incompatible with IBS such as bleeding on bowel opening, you may want o seek help from your gastroenterologist.
- Dr Quan
