Could this be IBS?

[Guest Posts]

On behalf of a guest member:

I have very loose stools and at the moment have 3-4 movements per day with most of these following after I’ve eaten. Once I’ve been I don’t feel that my bowel is completely empty. I know this can’t be right so would it be IBS or something more serious? Thank you, Peter

[Dr Pravin Desai]

Dear Peter,
How old are you
And important thing to remember though IBS is common
It is daignosis of exclusion so need to to get assessed by a doctor first especially if it is new symptom

Dr desai

[Dr Anton Bungay]

Hi Peter,

As already mentioned assessing you and what tests are done depends on the severity of symptoms, your age, the presence of absence of blood, whether you have a family history of bowel cancer, and the duration of your symptoms amongst other factors. Patients as they age are much more likely going to require a colonoscopy as a first line investigation (especially between the ages of 50 and 75). There are other necessary less invasive initial tests which include: blood test to look for Coeliac disease and stool tests to look for bugs if infection is a possibility and also for quite specific markers of inflammation. Taken together the history of your complaint and these basic investigations need to be done before any real reassurance can be provided
Good luck
Anton

[Julie Thompson]

Hi Peter

Some great responses to your question already and I just have one note to add. If you feel that food is causing symptoms please don't change your diet before you have seen your doctor for further tests - it is important that you continue to eat a gluten containing diet for the tests you may have. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye (breakfast cereals, bread, pasta and pastry.)

Kind regards

Julie