How can a Colonoscopy differentiate between IBS and IBD?
I was diagnosed with IBS more than a decade ago and only applied the lifestyle changes my doctor recommended, never got screened again. My symptoms continue (with no fever, nausea or blood in stool) but I also have unexplained skin rashes, joint pain, upper back aches, etc. Could this have been a misdiagnosis back in the day? Can IBS turn into IBD? Can I get clearer answers with a Colonoscopy?
Healthcare Providers (3)
Disclaimer:
No Physician-Patient Relationship
You understand and agree that use of the Website does not in any way create or establish a physician-patient privilege or physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member. You should recognize that the information provided on the Website (including past questions and answers and articles posted on the site) is provided for your general information. These materials should not be relied on as medical advice and reading and reviewing them is not a substitute for direct consultation with a medical professional about a specific medical problem.
Without limiting the foregoing, you understand and agree that submitting a Free Question or receiving an answer to a Free Question does not in any way create or establish an physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member, or between you and us. The information and answers provided in response to Free Questions is intended to be generic medical information, not medical advice, and is based upon the very limited information provided by you in a Free Question. Specific medical advice can only be given with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances of your situation. If you are currently being treated by a doctor, that doctor is the best person to give you advice about a medical case or medical matter. Under no circumstances should the information obtained on this site be used to make decisions about the quality of service provided by a doctor or about the proper course of a medical matter.
No Physician-Patient Relationship
You understand and agree that use of the Website does not in any way create or establish a physician-patient privilege or physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member. You should recognize that the information provided on the Website (including past questions and answers and articles posted on the site) is provided for your general information. These materials should not be relied on as medical advice and reading and reviewing them is not a substitute for direct consultation with a medical professional about a specific medical problem.
Without limiting the foregoing, you understand and agree that submitting a Free Question or receiving an answer to a Free Question does not in any way create or establish an physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member, or between you and us. The information and answers provided in response to Free Questions is intended to be generic medical information, not medical advice, and is based upon the very limited information provided by you in a Free Question. Specific medical advice can only be given with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances of your situation. If you are currently being treated by a doctor, that doctor is the best person to give you advice about a medical case or medical matter. Under no circumstances should the information obtained on this site be used to make decisions about the quality of service provided by a doctor or about the proper course of a medical matter.
It can rule out IBD, yes.
You would need a Colonoscopy with biopsies to rule out IBD. No, IBS does not turn into IBD. I would suggest you see a gastroenterologist and discuss your symptoms.
Small number of patients with IBS symptoms are found to have IBD on initial Colonoscopy. You might benefit from repeating Colonoscopy evaluation since it has been a while, and you might be due for respect Colonoscopy for other reasons such as screening purposes. Check with your GI doctor or request to see a GI motility specialist.