How is IBD diagnosed?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be complex. That means its symptoms can change and may worsen over time potentially causing more serious problems. An early diagnosis may help prevent it from getting worse.
Diagnosing Crohn’s Diagnosing ulcerative colitis
Getting diagnosed with IBD
To diagnose IBD, your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and family medical history. They may perform some tests and refer you to a gastroenterologist, who is a doctor specializing in the digestive system. Below are some of the tests and procedures healthcare providers can use to diagnose and determine the severity of IBD. Specific tests can be ordered based on what your care team feels is appropriate for your individual circumstance.
Some of these tests and procedures may also be performed throughout your journey with IBD to assess disease activity and how you may or may not be responding to therapy.
Blood tests
A type of protein that can be found in the blood. If there are higher levels of this protein, it means there is inflammation occurring in the body.
This test is used to find out if there is inflammation in the body based on how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube.
This test measures your red and white blood cells, as well as hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets.
Imaging tests
An X-ray of your abdomen can help assess different issues in your digestive system.
A CT scan uses X-rays along with a computer to create detailed images of your gut and surrounding areas.
An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of your gut and surrounding areas without any exposure to radiation.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of structures inside the body.
Endoscopic procedures and biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure that collects a tissue sample that is later examined under a microscope. A tissue sample can be taken from your digestive tract during an endoscopic procedure.
This procedure gives an inside look of your entire colon using a tiny tube that has a camera on the end.
This procedure uses a tiny tube that has a camera on the end to examine your rectum and sigmoid colon, which is the last part of your colon.
This procedure uses a tiny tube that has a camera on the end to examine the upper part of your digestive tract, including your esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of your small intestine.
This procedure helps find problem areas in your small intestine. For this procedure, you swallow a capsule that has a camera in it that scans your digestive tract as it makes its way through the tract and exits your body in your stool.
This procedure uses a long thin tube with a balloon and a camera at the tip to examine your small intestine.
Stool tests
Fecal calprotectin levels can be used as a marker to detect inflammation in the intestine.
Getting the right care
Seeking care
It’s important to seek care if you experience any new and/or unusual symptoms. This can help you manage them quickly and may prevent them from getting worse.
Is there a specialist for IBD?
Often, a gastroenterologist—a doctor specializing in the digestive system—oversees IBD care.
Your IBD care team
A multidisciplinary IBD care team often includes healthcare professionals from different specialties. The goal is to offer all-encompassing care to support the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of the disease.
Your team may include a gastroenterologist, primary care physician (PCP), internist, pharmacist, specialists for extraintestinal issues, psychologist, social worker, registered dietitian or nutritionist, nurse or nurse navigator, or colorectal surgeon.
Prepare for your next appointment
Talking with your care team about your symptoms can be scary. Being prepared can help. Before your next appointment, consider doing the following:
- Jot down exactly what’s going on with your body and any concerns you have
- Ask a friend/family member to come with you
- Trust yourself and be your own advocate
We can help you get started with a personalized discussion guide that’s tailored to you—and your gut.
My IBD Symptom Tracker
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Marilyn Living with Crohn’s
It took me several doctors, tests, and self-advocacy before I found the right fit. While listening to my concerns, (my doctor) encouraged me to be open and transparent.See her story
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