IBS causes digestive system symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation, and sometimes bloating.
It is a complex condition that involves the connection between the gut and the brain.
The checklist healthcare providers consult to diagnose IBS is called the Rome IV criteria.
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Tests such as a colonoscopy might be helpful to determine other causes of symptoms.
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Can a Colonoscopy Detect IBS?
A colonoscopy does not help diagnose IBS.
With IBS, there are no changes inside the colon that could be detected by a colonoscopy.
The American College of Gastroenterology (AGA) has published guidelines on managing IBS.
This guide for healthcare providers outlines the evidence for diagnosing and treating IBS.
The AGA recommends against using a colonoscopy for the diagnosis or management of IBS for most people.
Endoscopyprocedures are done with the use of special tools that look inside the digestive system.
A colonoscopy looks inside the colon.
By seeing the lining of the colon, certain conditions can be detected and/or diagnosed.
Growths calledpolypsthat are the precursor to cancer can also be seen and removed for testing.
This test might look for conditions affecting the upper digestive system, such asgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
How IBS Is Diagnosed
IBS is diagnosed through a set of questions called theRome IV criteria.
This includes ablood testthat can be used to diagnose celiac disease.
Tests to examine the anus andrectummay be able to detect conditions affecting thepelvic floor.
Tests to diagnose food allergies are not recommended unless other symptoms are associated with allergies.
Part of the path to a diagnosis of IBS could include a change to diet.
Medications and/or specialized types ofpsychotherapy(talk therapy) may also be recommended to treat the symptoms.
Colonoscopies are conducted in healthcare facilities.
The day before the procedure, you will take recommended laxatives and otherbowel prepmedications.
Look to your healthcare provider for instructions and ask questions as necessary.
Its important to understand the instructions fully, to start the preparation on time, and to finish it.
Thecolon is clearwhen there is no more stool being passed out of the anus.
Bowel movements that are mostly water and appear clear may continue.
Because of this, you will need someone to drive you home after the test.
Colon Polyps
Polypsin the colon are the precursor to colon cancer.
If found during a colonoscopy, they will be removed.
However, polyps may bleed, and bleeding in the digestive system is never a symptom of IBS.
Can a Colonoscopy Aggravate IBS?
A colonoscopy is not performed routinely to diagnose IBS in people who have symptoms typical for IBS.
There is little data on how bowel movements might change after a colonoscopy.
Its not known how many people may have IBS symptoms after having a colonoscopy.
The disruption of your routine, scheduling, possible costs, and preparation can be emotional and stressful.
This stress could mean that IBS symptoms crop up before or after a colonoscopy.
As with any medical test, including a colonoscopy, there should be a good reason for having one.
You and your healthcare providers will work together to determine when a colonoscopy clearly is needed.
How Often Should People With IBS Get a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is not used for routine monitoring of IBS.
Summary
A colonoscopy is a tool used to diagnose and treat some digestive conditions.
It is not routinely performed to diagnose IBS, however.
IBS used to be diagnosed once other conditions were excluded.
But now, it is diagnosed when the symptoms a person experiences meet the Rome IV criteria.
However, people with IBS will want to manage their stress levels before having a colonoscopy.
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