In a recent column by Dr. Paul Johnson, a concerned husband writes in and asks about his 68-year-old wife who had recently been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): "My 68-year-old wife was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome accompanied by belching, flatulence and abdominal distention. The distention mimics a pregnant abdomen. Is distention a symptom of IBS, or is something else going on?"
Dr. Donahue responds with a description of the symptoms and treatments for IBS, however, he finishes his response off with a very important piece of information:
"Your wife is a bit old to come down with IBS. It usually appears before age 50, and often in the 20s. Other illnesses should be considered, such things as colon cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer and celiac disease."
We don't know what this woman has and it could indeed be IBS. However, this response from Dr. Johnson reminds us that it is a good idea to get a second opinion on any major diagnosis.
