IRRITABLE BOWEL
SYNDROME (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also called spastic colon, is a functional bowel disorder characterised by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and alteration of bowel habits. Diarrhoea or constipation may predominate or they may alternate. IBS may begin after an infection or a stressful life event. Other functional or pain disorders and certain psychological conditions are more common in those with IBS.

What are the symptoms?

Some of the common symptoms include :-

• Abdominal pain.
• Frequent diarrhoea.
• Frequent constipation.
• Frequent changes in bowel habits (i.e. diarrhoea or constipation)
• An urgency for bowel movements.
• A bloating feeling.
• Alternative stool problems.

The tests that are applicable to this pathological condition are :-

• Analysis of Brain Chemistry (ABC)


• Analysis of Brain Regulators (ABR)


• Interleukin 4 (IL-4) Gene Expression


• Interleukin 6 (IL-6) Gene Expression


• Interleukin 10 (IL-10) Gene Expression


• Interleukin 23 (IL-23) Gene Expression


• Interleukin 2 Receptor Alpha (IL-2 Ra) Gene Expression


• Th1 Related Cytokines Gene Expression


• Th2 Related Cytokines Gene Expression


• Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-ß1) Gene Expression

However not all of the doctors will necessarily use all of these tests, some may use less and some more. Specific patients may require different tests and therefore the final selection of any tests must be made in conjunction with a medical doctor.

We appreciate that some readers have yet to decide upon the doctor and if you would like to receive a short list from which you can make the final selection please E-mail us. It is advisable that you identify the suspected or diagnosed pathological condition in order for us to provide the most appropriate options.