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Conditions and Diseases > Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass Forum > Gastro-intestinal symptoms: IBS or not?
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Q: Gastro-intestinal symptoms: IBS or not?
asked by: DoctorQuestion on March 16th, 2007
My current symptoms are: low grade fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, acid reflux type symptoms, and hair loss. I would consider these symptoms chronic because I have had them for about a year off and on. Are these symptoms indicative of an ulcer? Are they indicative of IBS? What route would you take in order to diagnose my condition? I have had a colonoscopy, stool sample, and blood work--all with normal results. One doctor thought that I might need an endoscopy. What should I do?


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on March 22nd, 2007
Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass, and Colon Disorders Answ
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastro-intestinal tract. No organic damage of the GIT is present during IBS. This is why all the diagnostic tests appear negative (normal). IBS can manifest with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, acid reflux, abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation but not with fever, and hair loss. To confirm IBS as a possible diagnosis, you should first exclude all organic disorders of the GIT (peptic ulcers, inflammations, tumors, diverticulums etc.). Diagnostic procedures that remain, in your case, are an endoscopic gastroscopy, ultrasound scan and CT-scan.


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