FAQ: What Is the Significance of Alarm Symptoms Including Pathophysiology?

July 2025

In this episode, Kristina Skarbinski, a seasoned GI nurse practitioner based in Boston, shares essential insights on identifying alarm symptoms that may help distinguish Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) from more serious gastrointestinal conditions. While IBS is a common functional disorder, it’s critical to recognize red flag symptoms that require further evaluation before making a diagnosis. Christina walks through key warning signs, including rectal bleeding, melena (black tarry stools), nocturnal bowel movements, progressive abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and anemia. She also explains the significance of an elevated fecal calprotectin level and the importance of family history in assessing the risk for colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients over 50 should be up to date on colon cancer screening, especially when symptoms are new or worsening. If no alarm features are present, clinicians can confidently proceed with IBS evaluation using the Rome IV criteria and symptom-based testing. This educational overview offers a practical guide for primary care and GI professionals. Learn more by visiting the GHAPP website or the ACE App for additional clinical resources.