IBD is a complex disease - It’s not only incurable but also difficult to accurately diagnose. The reason being the similarity of its symptoms with other gastrointestinal conditions and the lack of a diagnostic procedure. There is no single test that can diagnose inflammatory bowel disease. As a result, IBD is often misdiagnosed, and it can also be challenging to distinguish between the two primary forms of inflammatory bowel diseases and determine which one a patient is suffering from.
A research study conducted by the United States Health Union states that around 57% of people with diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease were initially misdiagnosed.[ https://health-union.com/news/inflammatory-bowel-disease-patients-experience-invisible-and-life-altering-burdens/ ]
How Is the Right Diagnosis For IBD Made?
Accurate diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Since there is no single test to make a diagnosis for ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, doctors use several lab tests to rule out other possible health conditions that produce similar symptoms. Moreover, the patient’s medical history, family history, diet and nutrition, and overall health are also considered.
Tests Used to Diagnose IBD
Healthcare providers use multiple tests and procedures to diagnose an inflammatory bowel disease. These include:
Lab Tests
Stool Test – Your doctor may prescribe a stool test to look for hidden parasites and/or blood in the stool.
Blood Tests – Your healthcare provider is also likely to recommend a few blood tests to rule out certain bacterial and viral infections and anemia.
Both these lab tests can also help determine if there is inflammation in the body. If deemed necessary, the doctor may also prescribe X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and/or MRIs of the gastrointestinal tract.
Endoscopic Procedures
If the blood and stool tests come out positive and reflect inflammation, the doctor will likely prescribe an endoscopic procedure to have a look inside your GI tract. Your doctor may recommend any of the following endoscopic procedures for this purpose:
Colonoscopy – Used to examine the colon
Upper Endoscopy – Performed to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It may be used for patients experiencing upper abdominal pain, difficulty in eating, nausea, and vomiting.
Capsule Endoscopy – Used to diagnose Crohn’s disease, the procedure involves ingesting a capsule containing a tiny camera. An endoscopy often follows capsule endoscopy with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Since the capsule excretes via stool, the procedure is not recommended for patients with bowel obstruction.
Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy – The procedure involves using a scope and overtube to look at parts of the small intestine where the standard endoscopes cannot reach.
The Final Word
Getting a diagnosis for inflammatory bowel disease can be overwhelming. However, an accurate diagnosis is essential to getting the right treatment and keeping the disease under control. Seeing an experienced IBD specialist is the best way to avoid a misdiagnosis and get an effective treatment plan for yourself.
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