I Think I Might Have IBS. Now What?

If you've heard or read about IBS and think you might have it, you're not alone. For a variety of possible reasons, irritable Bowel has become more and more common in recent years, especially among younger generations.

The most important thing to note is that only a doctor can diagnose you with IBS. If you're having symptoms such as gas, bloating, nausea, and irregular stool patterns, it is absolutely imperative to consult a gastroenterologist.

But why is getting properly diagnosed so important? This is actually a valid question. There's no procedure to fix IBS, and many find that IBS symptoms are best mitigated through dietary and lifestyle changes rather than prescription medications. Physicians typically do not help patients manage their day-to-day symptoms the way that someone like a Registered Dietitian might.

The answer is that consulting a doctor is necessary to rule out more serious ailments, such as IBD or Pancreatic Insufficiency. There are a number of GI conditions with symptoms that resemble IBS, and it's important to screen for these using diagnostic testing and procedures. IBS management is typically ineffective at treating these more serious ailments, and going undiagnosed can worsen one's prognosis. Only once these have been ruled out can an IBS diagnosis be made.