Is A Colonoscopy A Must When Diagnosed With IBS?

Posted on Sun, 2 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 2 Sep 2018 Answered on

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I am an 87 year old man and thus hesitant to have a colonoscopy. Note many publications advise against same due to my advanced age. Have every reason to believe to believe I have IBS. Must I have a colonoscopy to receive treatment?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Colonoscopy is not necessary to take the treatment for IBS.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

In my opinion colonoscopy is not a necessary examination to confirm the diagnosis of IBS and take the treatment.

To confirm the diagnosis is necessary:
-to have the symptoms related to IBS such as abdominal pain related to bowel movements
- A complete blood count
- A stool test
- Information on your diet, lifestyle, stress level etc.

In most cases we don't need tests or colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and treatment. If the diagnosis can't be confirmed through symptoms we can ask for further examination such as colonoscopy.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T