I have had bloating and IBS symptoms for months even though tests show results. What next tests should I try to find the problem?
The question, asked by a man aged 45 to 59
I have had bloating, stomach ache and irregular bowel movements, for about six months. Basic blood tests, including CBC, blood sugar and liver function were. All came back normal. I have changed my diet. Bloating keeps coming back. I am wondering if other tests could help discover the cause and whether I should see a gastroenterologist or another doctor.
Now the normal tests are good and reassuring. But they are never designed to look at your gut health. CBC, sugar, and liver tests check your blood. But they don’t look at what is happening inside the intestine. Six months of bloating, pain, and irregular stools actually point towards these: It can be SIBO or dysbiosis, an overgrowth or imbalance of gut bacteria that ferments food and causes gas. There could be a food tolerance issue. Lactose, gluten, or FODMAP sensitivity can change from meal to meal. It could be a minor inflammation or parasites such as Giardia or even H. pylori that cannot be diagnosed in a regular blood test. The digestion of food is very slow because of low levels of stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile production. Yes, stress can indeed affect your second brain, the one located in your intestines.
Now, which specialist will you need to visit? If you experience blood in your stools, weight loss, or if there is any family history of bowel cancer, you should see a gastroenterologist. If none of this is there, then taking a functional medicine approach is good, as it can help you find the root cause and bring in a gastroenterologist when needed.
Suggested Tests
Faecal calprotectin, to rule out inflammation in the bowel Stool occult blood test Stool routine, culture and ova and parasites, to check for infection CRP and ESR, as CBC alone does not reflect inflammation Anti-tTG IgA, to screen for coeliac disease H. pylori urea breath test Glucose hydrogen breath test, to check for SIBO TSH Ultrasound of the abdomen, to look at the gallbladder, pancreas and bowel structure Colonoscopy,
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
The basics come first at CLP. There is no need to undergo all the tests. Our The Functional Medicine Doctor determines what tests are important and it has a reason as to why it must be tested. Some specific tests like stool analysis, breath test for SIBO, H pylori, coeliac testing, gut microbiome can be asked. Should there be a necessity to involve a gastroenterologist, we will honestly tell you about it, as root cause care does not imply ignoring any significant data. A root cause treatment implies the elimination of the trigger, restoration of proper gut microbiota composition, and repair of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract with help of nutrition, proper supplements, and such therapies as peptides, ozone therapy, and others if necessary. Your nutritional coach will help you properly reintroduce food to your diet following our food plan and getting the right amount of food. We perform a weekly follow-up and monitor your symptoms and your progress. Remember, there is always a reason for your bloating.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
If you are able to, keep a journal of your meals, stress, sleep, and any other symptoms that may be present each week. Eat your food slowly. This is an old trick, but it really works because it ensures that you have the right portion and that there is no air consumption, which is why bloating occurs. Always opt for cooked vegetables rather than raw because they are easily digested. Go walking for 10-15 minutes after your meal.
What to Do Next
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