Is it likely that I have IBS even if I do not have any problems with diarrhea, or constipation?
Monday, December 14th, 2009 at
7:15 am
I have constant gas and frequent but intermittent stomach aches. I have not been officially diagnosed with IBS or any other disease, but I have not seen a doctor regarding my problem. I will probably go see one soon, since the problem has gotten worse over the last year. I don’t seem to have any trouble digesting any particular kind of food and I do not eat much dairy. I definitely am not lactose intolerant, but I can’t rule out a different food sensitivity. I do often eat vegetables, beans, and other common sources of gas, but not in huge amounts. What do you think is wrong? And is IBS merely a diagnosis of exclusion?
Filed under: Colon Cleanse
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Yes, IBS is a rule out diagnosis. I would not speculate on what your condition is. That would be foolish. However, the main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, sometimes severe, or discomfort that is relieved by or caused by a bowel movement, diarrhea or constipation that can alternate, white mucus in the stool, gas and abdominal bloating and a constant feeling that you haven’t quite finished a bowel movement. You might try a simethicone product to relieve the gas.
I see that "stomach swelling" was mentioned in the answer above mine. There’s a big difference between the stomach and the abdomen and many people use the two interchangeably especially when referring to pain. The stomach is in the upper left portion of the abdominal cavity and is partly under the ribs. The abdomen is the entire area below the ribs and diaphragm and above the pubic area and contains many organs besides the stomach.
Make an appointment to see your doctor and find out what’s really going on. I would advise against soliciting a diagnosis online. You can’t get one.
IBS can lead to many other disorders.
The question is does you stomach swell when you have these pains?
I have IBS, and in order to get that diagnosis, other things had to be rules out. I had colonoscopy, and a series of blood tests.
For me my pain is severe and is usually located to my left lower abdomen…but can be more generalized. I can either be constipated OR have diarrhea and am definitely lactose intolerant. I can be "gassy" and bloated often. I don’t find spicy foods an issue, and when I am having a bout , it doesn’t make a different what I am eating. Maybe that’s just me though LOL.
My episodes last anywhere from 1-7 days. And the only relief I get is from a hot water bottle, Tylenol and increasing my fiber intake, I use Metamucil. Also reducing stress, and excersizing. None of the prescribed treatements helped much.
Hope this helps. =)