A diagnosis of IBD usually requires looking at your symptoms, physical examination and appropriate investigations together. Therefore, please visit a hospital or consult  for  symptoms and examination, take advice and  relevant tests and treatment.

Understanding Your Tests Routine stool examination: This test does not confirm inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is mainly useful to check for infections and other possible causes of your symptoms. Occult blood in stool: This means there may be a small amount of bleeding in the digestive tract. However, it is not specific for IBD and can occur due to several other conditions. Fecal calprotectin: Calprotectin is a marker of inflammation in the intestine. A high level can occur in IBD, but it can also increase with intestinal infections, use of painkillers such as NSAIDs, and other inflammatory conditions. T. What to Do Next A diagnosis of IBD usually requires looking at your symptoms, physical examination and appropriate investigations together. Therefore, please visit a hospital or consult a gastroenterologist for a proper clinical assessment. Based on your symptoms and examination, the doctor can advise the relevant tests and treatment. Measures to Keep Your Stools Soft and Reduce Discomfort Eat more fibre: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other fibre-rich foods in your diet, unless your doctor has advised you to restrict fibre. Drink enough fluids: Usually around 2–3 litres of water per day, unless you have been advised to restrict fluids. Keep stools soft: If required, Isabgol (psyllium husk) or a stool-softening medicine such as Cremaffin may be used as advised by your doctor. Avoid straining: Do not sit on the toilet for a long time or forcefully strain during bowel movements. Warm sitz bath: Sitting in comfortably warm water for 10–15 minutes, especially after passing stool, may help reduce pain and relax the anal muscles.