How do healthcare providers make a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome?
Originally, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was thought to be a “diagnosis of exclusion”. This implies that the diagnosis of IBS was valid only if other disorders that may be causing symptoms were ruled out. Today, healthcare providers agree that tests may be necessary to rule out other diagnoses. However, these tests should only be limited to those necessary, based on symptoms and medical history.
Updated 2022
