Can tests on a stool or blood specimen reveal an allergy or some other problem?

[wanderer]

Severe abdominal pain radiating down one or both thighs, bouts of Diarrhoea and wind? What could be the cause. Could it be the newly discovered Osteo-Arthritis?

[gracelyn]

I don't think it is related to the osteoarthritis, because that affects the joints and spine, not the bowel - although if you have been put on medicine for it, the bowel upset and diarrhea could be related to that. A stool sample could be tested to rule out an infection like Clostridium difficile or other bug. The best way to check for an allergy would be to cut out individual items from the diet and see if any change occurs, for example, wheat, which aggravates celiac disease; likewise (if your doctor agrees) stop individual meds and see if things improve. You shouldn't stop everything at once, however, because then you cannot pinpoint what may be causing the problem. Good luck.

[Dr Frank]

Examination of stool gives only limited information. It can show infection, either with bacteria, virus or parasites. It can show that blood loss is occurring. It can also suggest colitis or malabsorption, but is not diagnostic for either. It cannot point directly to allergy, and I don't really understand your osteoarthritis reference. Your other symptoms alone are not diagnostic, however if they are persistent they would require investigation.