At least one-third of Australians experience recurring or chronic unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. Around 30% also experience symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Dealing with any gastrointestinal symptoms can be stressful, so it’s essential to identify the cause and get the right help. Diagnosing and treating chronic gut conditions often requires a combination of medical evaluation, lifestyle assessment, and tailored interventions. You may find these tips helpful during your diagnosis and treatment journey:
Track Your Symptoms
Even before you explore treatment options, such as hypnotherapy for IBS, it’s crucial to track your symptoms first. A symptom diary can help those you’ve entrusted with your diagnosis and treatment to provide the appropriate care.
Your symptom diary should include information on the food you’ve eaten, the severity and timing of your symptoms, and the consistency of your stool compared to the Bristol Stool Chart.
See Your GP
Armed with information about your recent experiences, make an appointment with your general practitioner, who can start gut health investigations. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist for imaging and tests, such as a colonoscopy.
You may be required to undergo a range of standard diagnostic tests, including blood tests, stool tests, breath tests, and endoscopies. These tests can explore:
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Anaemia
- Coeliac markers
- Microbiome imbalances
- Parasites
- IBD
- Coeliac disease
- Polyps
Conditions such as IBS are generally diagnosed by exclusion. The more comprehensive your tests are, the more likely it is for your healthcare professional to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Explore Care Options
Once you receive a diagnosis, such as IBS, you can explore care options to suit your unique needs, preferences, and goals. Some of these care options are short-term fixes, while others are more suitable for the long term.
Dietician Care Plan
Many people work with accredited practising dietitians to understand the foods they should and shouldn’t eat. Your dietitian may recommend elimination diets, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and low FODMAP.
IBS and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
Gut issues often overlap with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. When you want to explore new approaches to IBS care, consider IBS and gut-directed hypnotherapy.
IBS hypnotherapy may help calm your gut and provide more balanced and comfortable digestive experiences. Many hypnotherapy clients also experience relief from bloating, a reduction in abdominal pain and inflammation, improved gut motility, and fewer digestive flare-ups.
Address the Root Cause, Condition-Dependent
Your approach to treatment can depend on the specific condition you have. For example, surgery, biologics, or immunosuppressants may be a recommendation for IBD, while a strict gluten-free diet would be helpful for someone with coeliac disease.
Lifestyle Changes
Several lifestyle changes can be required when you receive a diagnosis for a chronic gut issue. These include regular physical activity, adequate hydration, consistent sleep, and stress management.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Explore strain-specific probiotics and prebiotics to suit your unique condition. Seek recommendations from your local healthcare professionals.
Don’t Ignore Serious Symptoms
It’s easy to ignore symptoms that you’ve been dealing with for a long time. However, some symptoms can be more worrying than others. Visit an Urgent Care Clinic or your GP as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Blood in your stool
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss
- Persistent vomiting
- Signs of anaemia or dehydration
- Severe abdominal pain
If you’re dealing with chronic gut issues, you’re not alone – and you deserve a resolution. Don’t suffer in silence any longer. Start tracking your symptoms, see your GP, and explore care options to suit your unique needs. It’s time to start living the comfortable and pain-free life you deserve.