Chronic gut symptoms need to be properly diagnosed (is it IBS? or something else? you need to know!)
There are four overlooked GI tests you might need if you’re struggling to get an explanation of your symptoms.
Fecal calprotectinchecks for real intestinal inflammation and can help distinguish IBD (Crohn’s, colitis) from IBS.Celiac blood testing, especially TTG IgA, can help identify celiac disease in people with chronic bloating, diarrhea, anemia, nutrient deficiencies, or family history.*You must be eating gluten for 4-6 weeks before testing or you can get a false negative.*H. pylori breath testinglooks for an active stomach infection linked to gastritis, ulcers, and long-term stomach problems. If you have upper GI symptoms (above the belly button) this is a crucial test.Pancreatic stool elastasechecks whether your pancreas is making enough enzymes to digest food, especially fats. It may be useful if you have greasy stools, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, or nutrient malabsorption.
The takeaway here? The goal is not to run every GI test there is. The key is to match the right test to the right symptoms, especially when there are red flags like blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent diarrhea, anemia, severe pain, vomiting, or symptoms that wake you from sleep.
And more about getting a proper IBS diagnosis…
You are not alone.
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XOXO
Heather
Heather Van Vorous
40+ years of IBS advocacy
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