IBS Diagnosis

by Russell B.
(Tamarac, FL)

I defecate on average of twice per day; usually loose stools. Sometimes, when I feel the stool near my anus, I have to go to the bathroom even though I just recently went but cannot force it out. Occasionally I get an acute, right sided lower abdominal pain with a bowel movement.

Can you please advise if you think I have IBS or not and if so some OTC medications I can take to benefit me and suggest the proper foods to eat as well as foods to avoid. Thank you very much for your time and understanding regarding this very important matter.

IBS diagnosis

Constipation predominant ibs can give similar symptoms to those described, however to make a diagnosis of ibs depends on other factors such as age, how long you have had the symptoms and family history. If you have no family history, are under the age of 55 years and have had your symptoms for more than three months then this is likely to be IBS. You should however see a doctor for an examination regardless.

OTC medications or over the counter medicines vary from one country to another. If constipation is the issue, then the most important advice is to drink plenty of fluids, have at least 5 different fruit and vegetable a day and consider juices such as prune or grape juice which has laxative effects. If looking at specific medications, you could consider glycerine suppositories which may reduce the feeling of always wanting to go to the toilet, consider Fybogel or Psyllium regularly too. Stronger laxatives would need to be discussed with your physician.

Foods should always be balanced and as well as plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, you should consider coarse bran and trying to keep the amount of carbohydrate in your diet down (this includes sugary foods, potatoes, pasta, cakes and biscuits). Some people benefit from regular probiotics too and these are commonly found in yoghurts.

My name is Dr Peter Thatcher MBBS, MRCPI and I am a consultant physician and gastroenterologist in the UK. I have an interest in internet based medicine and administer this site in my spare time. I hope you find this site useful and informative. If you have any suggestions, please Contact Me or if you would like to comment on my site, please do so by Click Here. If you like the site and would like to make a donation to support what I am doing please do so by Clicking Here. Thank you for visiting and please drop by again!