IBS imaging results waiting

Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms like tummy pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation). It is not a disease that damages the bowel, but it can be uncomfortable and upsetting. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, are sometimes done to make sure your symptoms are not caused by another condition, like inflammation or a growth. Waiting for these results can feel stressful, but knowing why the test is done and what to expect can help.

Yes, IBS is very common. It affects about 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives. Many people experience mild symptoms, but for some it can be more severe.

IBS can affect anyone, but it is more common in women than in men. It often starts in young adulthood, but can happen at any age, including in children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Abdominal pain or cramping that often improves after a bowel movement
• Bloating and feeling uncomfortably full
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
• Passing mucus (a clear or white liquid) with stool
• A feeling that you haven't finished a bowel movement

Symptoms in children

• Tummy pain that comes and goes, often around the belly button
• Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
• Feeling sick or bloated after eating
• Uncomfortable gas

Symptoms in older adults

• Similar symptoms as in younger adults, but older adults may also have other health conditions that affect the bowels.
• Imaging may be done more often to rule out other age-related conditions, such as diverticulitis or bowel cancer.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of IBS is not known, but it is thought to involve problems with how the brain and gut communicate with each other.
• IBS may be triggered by a change in the bacteria in your gut, stress, or a past infection in the digestive system.
• Imaging is not done to find a cause of IBS, but to look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Risk factors

• Having a close family member with IBS
• A history of stressful life events or anxiety
• A previous severe intestinal infection (gastroenteritis)
• Being female – women are more likely to have IBS than men

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have new or worsening symptoms that are not improving with simple treatments.
• You notice blood in your stool or have unexplained weight loss.
• You have severe pain that is not relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have ongoing stomach or bowel symptoms that affect your daily life, see your GP.
• After imaging, your doctor will discuss the results with you, so you do not need to worry alone.

Diagnosis

IBS is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam. There is no single test for IBS. Your doctor may use the 'Rome criteria' – a set of guidelines that look at how long you have had symptoms and how often they happen. Imaging is not needed to diagnose IBS, but it is often done to rule out other conditions.

Tests that may be done

• Lab tests: Blood tests and stool tests to check for inflammation or infection.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of your abdomen to look at your organs and rule out other diseases.
• Sometimes a colonoscopy (camera test inside the large bowel) is done, especially if you have red flag signs.

What to expect at your appointment

When you have imaging, you will be asked to lie still on a table while a machine takes pictures. Often you will need to drink a contrast liquid or have it given through a vein. The test itself is painless, but you may feel a little anxious. After the test, a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in reading images) will look at the pictures and write a report. Your GP or specialist will receive the report and explain the results to you – this may take a few days or longer. If you haven't heard back in a week, it is fine to call your doctor's office for an update.

Treatment

Treatment for IBS focuses on relieving symptoms and improving your quality of life. It often includes changes to your diet, lifestyle, and sometimes medicine. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and you may need to try different strategies to find what works for you.

Self-care at home

• Keep a diary of your symptoms, what you eat, and when you feel stressed – this can help you identify triggers.
• Try to eat regular meals and avoid skipping meals. Eat slowly and chew well.
• Limit foods that can trigger symptoms, such as high-fat foods, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
• For constipation, try increasing fibre slowly and drink plenty of water. For diarrhoea, soluble fibre like oats and bananas can help.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques, deep breathing, exercise, or talking to someone you trust.

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend medicines to help with specific symptoms, such as antispasmodics for pain, laxatives for constipation, or antidiarrhoeals for diarrhoea. Some people benefit from low-dose antidepressants even if they are not depressed, because these medicines can affect how the gut and brain communicate. Your doctor will discuss the options that are safe and right for you. Always ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over-the-counter remedies.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for IBS. It is not a treatment for IBS itself. In very rare cases, if there is a complication like a twisted bowel (volvulus) found on imaging, surgery might be considered, but that would be for the detected condition, not IBS.

Living with this condition

Living with IBS can be challenging, but many people manage their symptoms well with the right strategies. It helps to have a routine, eat balanced meals, and find ways to reduce stress. Remember that flare-ups are normal and can be temporary.

Lifestyle tips

• Get regular physical activity – even a short walk can help your bowels work better and reduce stress.
• Try to get enough sleep – tiredness can make symptoms worse.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol – both can irritate the gut.
• Practice mindful eating – focus on your food and your body's signals.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet is key. Some people find a low-FODMAP diet helpful, but this should be tried with the help of a dietitian because it is restrictive. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding large fatty meals can also help. Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming can stimulate bowel movement and reduce bloating.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

IBS can affect your mental health because of the constant worry about symptoms, the social embarrassment, and the stress of living with a chronic condition. Anxiety and depression are common in people with IBS. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can help you cope. If you feel overwhelmed, tell your doctor – they can refer you for support.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent IBS, but you may reduce the chance of flare-ups by managing stress, eating a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding known triggers. If you have had a serious gut infection, following a gut-friendly diet afterwards may lower the risk of developing IBS.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for IBS. However, if you have a family history of bowel cancer or certain red flag symptoms, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to check your bowel health.

Complications

If left untreated

• IBS does not damage the bowel or lead to serious disease like cancer, but untreated symptoms can worsen over time and affect your quality of life.
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation can lead to dehydration, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures (small tears).
• Ongoing pain and discomfort can increase anxiety and depression.

Long-term outlook

IBS is a long-term condition, but with the right approach, most people find their symptoms improve significantly. Imaging is reassuring for many because it helps rule out other serious conditions. Once you have a clear diagnosis, treatment can be tailored to you. Many people with IBS lead full, active lives with good symptom control.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.