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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
IBS Diagnosis without abdominal pain?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
IBS Diagnosis without abdominal pain?
by teamcovert, Aug 16, 2005 12:00AM
Is is possible to have IBS w/o abdominal pain?
After about 7 weeks or loose stools & diarrhea, my doctor strongly suspects IBS. However, since I have not had much abdominal pain (which seems to be a main criteria for IBS) - I'm wondering about the diagnosis.
For the first several weeks I had lots of nausea and lost about 15 lbs from not eating much. The nausea seems mostly be gone, although my stomach often feels very "active".
I do not have any blood in my stools.
Stool samples were negative for bacteria & parasites, and no WBC
IBD Panel Blood Test - all negative
Celiac Panel Blood Test - all negative
I have an appointment with a GI Specialist, but not to the end of September.
I had more traditional IBS symptoms in the past (4 years ago) and was diagnosed with mild IBS after stomach scope and colonoscopy failed to show anything.
Any insight would be apprecited!
After about 7 weeks or loose stools & diarrhea, my doctor strongly suspects IBS. However, since I have not had much abdominal pain (which seems to be a main criteria for IBS) - I'm wondering about the diagnosis.
For the first several weeks I had lots of nausea and lost about 15 lbs from not eating much. The nausea seems mostly be gone, although my stomach often feels very "active".
I do not have any blood in my stools.
Stool samples were negative for bacteria & parasites, and no WBC
IBD Panel Blood Test - all negative
Celiac Panel Blood Test - all negative
I have an appointment with a GI Specialist, but not to the end of September.
I had more traditional IBS symptoms in the past (4 years ago) and was diagnosed with mild IBS after stomach scope and colonoscopy failed to show anything.
Any insight would be apprecited!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 17, 2005 12:00AM
, Aug 17, 2005 12:00AM
Although atypical, it is possible to have just changes in bowel habits being due to IBS. A repeat colonoscopy can be considered to evaluate for inflammatory bowel disease.
You can also consider sending the stool tests to evaluate for fat malabsorption - which can also lead to chronic diarrhea.
If IBS continues to be suspected, anti-spasmodic medications like Bentyl or Levsin can be considered for treatment.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
You can also consider sending the stool tests to evaluate for fat malabsorption - which can also lead to chronic diarrhea.
If IBS continues to be suspected, anti-spasmodic medications like Bentyl or Levsin can be considered for treatment.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
I did NOT have any vomiting or feeling of being "bloated".