Gastro-intestinal symptoms: IBS or not? Posted: 03-16-07 10:05am
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?
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.
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
