Diagnoses for IBS-C
There is no single test to determine if you have IBS-C. IBS-C isn’t diagnosed by an imaging test or blood test, although they can be done to rule out other conditions. The most appropriate way to make an IBS-C diagnosis is based on your symptoms. Your doctor would ask certain questions, such as:
- What symptoms do you experience
- If they come and go
- How often you get them
- When you get them (for example, if there are any triggers)
- How long you’ve had them for
It would help if you write down details of your symptoms before meeting with your doctor to help you remember them. Your doctor may also feel your tummy to check if there are any lumps or swelling, and then press against your abdomen to gauge associated pain.
Even though there is no particular test for IBS-C, a blood test may be conducted to check for problems like cardiac disease. [2] Also, a test on a sample of your poo may be used to examine infection and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
If your doctor concludes that you have IBS-C, he would discuss with you about what it is and what the treatment options are. It may be difficult to contain the details, which is why it is advised that you write down any questions and make another appointment to go over them.