Irritable Bowel Syndrome DR AILEEN SEAH, CONSULTANT COLORECTAL SURGEON COLORECTAL CLINIC@ NATIONAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL Diagnosis The underlying biochemical cause of IBS is not well established and hence there is no specific laboratory test to diagnose IBS. Hence, diagnosis of IBS involves excluding organic conditions (look out for ‘red flag’ indicators) that produce IBS-like symptoms and then using a diagnostic algorithm to come to a conclusion. Various validated algorithms have been used to aid the physician in reaching a diagnosis ie Manning Criteria, the Rome I Criteria, the Rome II Process, the Kruis Criteria. The Rome III process was published in 2006. The Rome II criteria are the most commonly used. Rome II diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome At least 12 weeks , which need NOT be consecutive, in the preceding 12 months of abdominal discomfort or pain that has two out of the following 3 features; Relieved with defecation; and/or Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool; and/or Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool ‘Red Flag’ Indicators Rectal bleeding Age of onset over 60 Family history of bowel or ovarian cancer Unexplained, unintentional weight loss Abdominal, rectal or pelvic masses Anaemia Raised inflammatory markers Issue 6 - Article Index   Irritable Bowel Syndrome   Diagnosis   Pathophysiology   Approach to Treatment   Treatment Modalities   Points to Remember Get a PDF copy of this issue. To start the download, click here sitemap   Copyright 2006 © The Colorectal Clinic @ NUH Design: PAA, Running: medi-WebPage