IBS or What? When to see a doctor

This April, we introduced IBS Awareness Month and covered some of the ways you can get involved. We offered some methods to reduce the discomfort caused by a flare-up, and we highlighted how little we know about its causes.

The symptoms of IBS are often missed or mistaken for something else. Likewise, other, more serious medical conditions can be mistaken for IBS. So, to close our focus on IBS, we are going to discuss those other conditions, and when you should get yours checked out.

IBS or What?

While IBS is never life-threatening, there are dangerous medical conditions that it is sometimes mistaken for. These can be life-threatening, which is why your doctor will want to rule out the more dangerous symptoms when you are first diagnosed.

The most common condition that is assumed to be IBS is IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). IBD includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, among others. Despite its similar name, IBD is much more serious than IBS, but it can be treated with surgery, medication and lifestyle changes.

Other conditions include coeliac disease, various digestive cancers and lactose intolerance. If you have a family history of any of these, you will probably be referred for the relevant tests to diagnose them.

Stress can also cause digestive issues, as well as depression and anxiety. So, your IBS symptoms could actually be trying to tell you something about your mental health.

When to see a doctor?

Firstly, see a doctor when you initially notice the symptoms of IBS. While it can be disheartening to know that there is no cure per se, talking through your symptoms and receiving a diagnosis will help rule out those more dangerous symptoms.

Once you become more aware of your IBS, you should look out for any changes. The variability of its symptoms makes this difficult, but any sudden changes should be easier to spot.

If you notice a significant worsening of your symptoms, book to see your doctor. They might want to re-assess you for other conditions or prescribe/change your medication to ease the worse symptoms.

If you notice any of the following symptoms at any time, see your doctor or call an ambulance immediately:

·      Blood in stool

·      Black and tarry stools

·      Extreme constipation (no bowel movement for 3 days)

·      Unexpected weight loss

·      Sudden, intense stomach pain

·      Vomiting

·      Fever

·      Sores around the mouth or anus

·      Loss of bowel control

·      Fatigue

Fighting the IBS stigma

To mark the end of April, and to help with the end goal of IBS Awareness Month, it is only right that we end our focus on IBS by addressing one of the biggest obstacles between patients and treatment: the stigma.

While it can be embarrassing or funny to talk about our bowel movements, you should never worry about addressing any health concerns with your doctor. We can assure you we’ve seen it all before – and usually much, much worse.

More importantly, though, talk about IBS with your loved ones. The best way to beat any stigma is to open up about it ourselves.