Diagnostic Strategies in Patients Suspected of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diagnostic Strategies in Patients Suspected of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Patients Suspected of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a clinical diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome based on patient reported symptoms and a few blood tests is safe, and to determine whether a clinical diagnosis is as good for the patient and as economical for the society as a diagnosis based on exclusion of a number of organic diseases by performing a number of blood tests, fecal analyzes and a scopic examination of bowel.

The purpose of the second part of the study is to determine which intestinal parasites the patients have in their bowel and whether these parasites are the cause of the disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18-50 years
• consultant in general practice for gastrointestinal symptoms, where the GP suspects irritable bowel syndrome
• full fill the ROME III criteria
• signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• alarm signals
• pregnancy
• comorbid diseases, that interfere with primary endpoint
• medicine and alcohol abuse
• patient do not speak or understand danish
• investigations for irritable bowel syndrome with in the last 3 years

from november 2008: patients aged above 40 with a duration shorter than one year