When It’s NOT Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Although Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 13-20% of people in Canada, it often goes undiagnosed. Or worse, because it shares similar symptoms to other digestive disorders and diseases, there is the potential for receiving the wrong diagnosis entirely. Let’s prevent that from happening!
I know this seems like a job for your health care team, but it is up to you to make sure you advocate for your health and I want to give you the tools to help you do that!
What are “red flag” symptoms
Red flags are symptoms that suggest what you are experiencing is NOT Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). They are alarms that signal you and your health care team should be investigating further.
They are:
- Losing weight without trying
- Blood in the stools
- Low iron in the blood (also called anemia)
- A family history of bowel diseases, like celiac disease or colon cancer
- Non-stop daily diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Waking up at night with diarrhea
- Severe symptoms that keep getting worse
- Symptoms starting after the age of 50
Why rule out other digestive conditions?
We want to rule out other gut disorders and diseases that share symptoms with IBS before accepting a diagnosis as fact. Why? Because IBS shares symptoms with other conditions, the risk of a delayed or misdiagnosis is high. Some of these gut issues can cause damage to the intestines and complications in the body if left undiagnosed and untreated.
Which gut disorders have overlapping symptoms with IBS?
Good question. You may receive a diagnosis of IBS, but really have:
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Endometriosis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Pelvic floor disorder
- Intestinal cancer, or
- Impaired bile salt absorption
What tests can I do to prevent a misdiagnosis?
The gold standard for a diagnosis of celiac disease is an endoscopy, which is a scope within the small intestine to look for damage. At the same time, a gastroenterologist may take a sample of your intestinal tissue that will be tested at the lab, also called a biopsy. A scope of the small and/or large intestines, and a biopsy, would also pick up many of the other conditions listed above.
Ok, what if I actually have celiac disease?
To rule out celiac disease, your general practitioner or family doctor may send you for bloodwork to check for antibodies in the blood that suggest your body is fighting off something foreign. Since celiac is an autoimmune disease, your body is attacking itself within the GI tract, triggered by gluten. It is very important that you are not misdiagnosed with IBS if you have celiac disease, because untreated, celiac disease will damage the intestines. Damaged intestines do not absorb nutrients well, which can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Eventually, undiagnosed and untreated celiac disease can cause non-stop and progressive diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches.
When is the best time to start working with a gut-specialized dietitian?
Whenever works for you! Some of my clients come to me early on in the process for help with navigating the health care system and getting that definitive diagnosis. Some already have, and are confident in their diagnosis of IBS, and that is where we start with managing symptom flare-ups, eating hygiene, and getting started on the low-FODMAP diet!
If you are interested in a free video chat with me to see if we are a good fit to work together, click the Book a Call button below!
- When It’s NOT Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Non-FODMAP Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Triggers
- Mindful Eating for Managing IBS
- 6 Ways to Beat an Irritable Bowel Syndrome Flare-Up
- Food, Mood & Symptom Journal
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