We’ve all been there. You have a strange symptom appear and decide to do a quick Google search to see if you can find out the cause. It’s even easier now when you can have a full conversation with AI to deep-dive into the cause of your symptoms.
While it feels easier and cheaper than seeing a doctor, dietitian or specialist, the reality is that the internet cannot diagnose you, no matter how accurate it seems.
Let's talk about why it’s important to get an official IBS diagnosis.
Red flags the internet can miss, or dismiss
Whilst IBS symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain can overlap with various conditions, certain gastrointestinal symptoms require prompt medical attention. This is why it is important to consult with your doctor and undergo clinical examination to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
- Nocturnal bowel movements: Waking up in the middle of the night with an urgent need to open your bowels.
- Blood in the stool: Bright red streaks or patches, without an obvious food-based explanation (like eating beetroot).
- Sudden changes in bowel habits: An unexplained, drastic shift in what is normal for you regarding stool colour, frequency, or consistency.
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea: Passing loose, watery stools multiple times a day for more than a few days without improvement.
Other conditions that cause gut damage
Unlike IBS, which doesn't cause structural damage to your digestive tract, other conditions do, like:
- Coeliac disease - This is an autoimmune condition which triggers an immune response when gluten is eaten.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis are types of IBD, and cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Endometriosis - Cells like the endometrial cells found in the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body.
- Diverticulitis - An acute condition in which pouches in the gut, called diverticula, become inflamed and/or infected, requiring medical intervention.
The above conditions require different, and often more stringent treatments than that of IBS. These may include strict dietary protocols, medication or even surgical intervention.
Self-diagnosing often leads people to unnecessarily cut out high FODMAP foods.
By restricting your diet without a medical reason, you might miss out on:
- Prebiotic fibres: Non-digestible fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy and diverse microbiome.
- Fructan-containing whole grains: Essential sources of complex carbohydrates that fuel your body and keep you full for longer.
- Diverse fruits and vegetables: Vital sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support daily health.
- Food enjoyment: Eating should be pleasurable. Restricting foods you love without necessity adds unneeded stress to your life.
What to do if you think you have IBS
- Book in to see your GP - Take note of your symptoms before your appointment to make sure you cover everything
- If you are already seeing a dietitian, discuss your concerns with them, and they can refer you to a gastroenterologist for further investigation if warranted
FODMAP Assistant
