Question 1

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Accepted Answer

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It is caused by disrupted gut-brain communication, intestinal inflammation, and food sensitivities that trigger immune responses. The Food Specific IgG test is the most important test for identifying dietary triggers that exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Question 2

What causes IBS?

Accepted Answer

IBS is caused by a combination of factors including disrupted communication between the brain and gut, intestinal inflammation, altered gut motility, and food sensitivities. Specific triggers include elevated IgG antibodies to foods like buckwheat, lima beans, dairy, and gluten that provoke immune responses in the digestive tract. Stress, hormonal changes, and imbalances in gut bacteria also contribute to symptom flare-ups, creating a cycle of abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.

Question 3

What is the best test for IBS?

Accepted Answer

The Food Specific IgG test is the most important test for IBS because it identifies specific foods triggering your immune system and worsening digestive symptoms. Tests like Food Specific IgG Buckwheat and Food Specific IgG Lima Bean measure antibody levels to common trigger foods, helping you pinpoint dietary culprits causing abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel changes. While IBS is diagnosed clinically based on symptoms, IgG testing provides actionable data to guide elimination diets and personalize your treatment plan, often leading to significant symptom improvement when trigger foods are removed.

Question 4

When should I get tested for IBS?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience chronic abdominal pain or cramping at least one day per week for three months, along with changes in bowel frequency or stool consistency. Other signs include persistent bloating that worsens after meals, mucus in your stool, or symptoms that improve after bowel movements. Testing is especially important if you suspect certain foods trigger your symptoms, if over-the-counter treatments have not helped, or if your symptoms interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Accepted Answer

IBS symptoms include recurrent abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by bowel movements, along with bloating and gas that worsens throughout the day. You may experience diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or alternating between both (IBS-M). Other signs include urgency to have bowel movements, feeling like you have not completely emptied your bowels, mucus in your stool, and symptoms that flare up after eating certain foods or during stressful periods.

Question 6

Who is at risk for IBS?

Accepted Answer

IBS affects women twice as often as men and typically develops before age 50, with many cases starting in the teenage years or early adulthood. You have higher risk if you have a family history of IBS, experience chronic stress or anxiety, have a history of gastrointestinal infections, or suffer from depression or other mental health conditions. People with food sensitivities, those who experienced childhood trauma, and individuals with other functional disorders like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome also face increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if IBS is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated IBS significantly impacts quality of life, leading to chronic discomfort, missed work or school, and social isolation due to unpredictable symptoms. Over time, persistent symptoms can contribute to anxiety and depression, creating a cycle where mental health issues worsen digestive problems. You may develop nutritional deficiencies if you start avoiding multiple foods without proper guidance, and hemorrhoids or anal fissures can develop from chronic diarrhea or straining with constipation. While IBS does not cause permanent damage to the intestines or increase colon cancer risk, ongoing symptoms require management to prevent these complications.

Question 8

Can IBS be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

IBS cannot be directly diagnosed with a blood test, as it is a functional disorder diagnosed primarily through symptom assessment and clinical criteria. However, blood tests play a crucial supporting role by ruling out conditions with similar symptoms like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or thyroid disorders. Food Specific IgG testing helps identify dietary triggers that worsen IBS symptoms, providing actionable information to guide treatment. Your doctor uses blood work alongside your symptom history and physical examination to confirm an IBS diagnosis and develop a personalized management plan.

Question 9

How is IBS treated?

Accepted Answer

IBS treatment combines dietary modifications, stress management, and medication tailored to your specific symptoms. Identifying and eliminating trigger foods through IgG testing or elimination diets often provides significant relief, while adding fiber supplements or following a low FODMAP diet helps many people. Medications include antispasmodics for cramping, laxatives for constipation, anti-diarrheal drugs for loose stools, and antidepressants at low doses to reduce pain signals. Probiotics, stress reduction techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness, and regular exercise also improve symptoms by supporting gut health and the gut-brain connection.

Question 10

How can I prevent IBS?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent IBS, you can reduce your risk and minimize flare-ups by managing stress through regular exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. Maintain a balanced diet with regular meal times, avoid known trigger foods identified through testing or food diaries, and stay well-hydrated. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners that can irritate the digestive system. Building a healthy gut microbiome through probiotic-rich foods and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics also helps maintain digestive balance and reduce symptom severity.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with IBS?

Accepted Answer

Peppermint oil capsules provide natural antispasmodic effects that reduce abdominal cramping and bloating in many IBS sufferers. Probiotics containing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains help restore healthy gut bacteria balance and improve symptoms. Ginger tea soothes digestive discomfort and reduces nausea, while chamomile tea calms intestinal inflammation and anxiety. Fiber supplements like psyllium husk regulate bowel movements for both constipation and diarrhea. Regular physical activity, mindfulness meditation, and keeping a food diary to identify personal triggers are also effective natural approaches to managing IBS symptoms.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Blood Test

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

What causes IBS?

What is the best test for IBS?

When should I get tested for IBS?

References

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