Q Sometimes there's blood in my stool and I've been losing weight lately. Can I just assume it's IBS and ignore it?
A No. Blood in stool, weight loss, anemia, pain or diarrhea that wakes you from sleep, and symptoms that started after age 50 can be signals of a condition other than IBS and must be investigated.
Detailed Answer
IBS is a functional disorder with no structural disease, so it does not normally follow a dangerous course. However, the following "warning signs" should raise suspicion of another cause such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer: blood mixed in stool or black stools, unintentional weight loss, anemia, severe abdominal pain or diarrhea that wakes you from sleep, and symptoms that first appeared after age 50. In these cases, do not make your own judgment—please get a colonoscopy or other detailed examination first.
Korean Medicine Perspective
If we see such warning signs during a consultation, we prioritize a detailed examination over Korean medicine treatment. It is best to rule out other conditions to confirm safety first, and then continue treatment to restore bowel function with peace of mind.
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