Representative image NEW DELHI: A simple stool test could soon help doctors identify a commonly missed cause of chronic diarrhoea, potentially ending years of uncertainty for many patients.A new study by researchers from AIIMS and other leading centres, led by Dr Govind K. Makharia, has been published in the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology. The study finds that measuring bile acids in a single stool sample may offer a practical way to diagnose bile acid malabsorption (BAM)—a condition often missed because existing tests are complex and not widely available.Chronic diarrhoea is frequently attributed to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, but experts say a significant number of these patients may actually have BAM, which requires a different line of treatment.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Trump says Iran ‘afraid’ to admit it wants a deal, claims ‘they’ll be killed by their own people or us’Iran Limits Hormuz Passage: selective access for friendly nations; UN warns on global energy flowsToll system in Strait of Hormuz? Iran drafts bill to charge ships for safe passage amid war“Chronic diarrhoea is quite common in India, affecting nearly 8–10% of people, and about 80% of these cases are due to functional bowel disorders like IBS. However, a small but important subset of patients may have bile acid malabsorption, which often goes undiagnosed because existing tests are complex and not widely available. With newer spot stool tests, it is now possible to identify these cases more easily and tailor treatment accordingly,” said Dr Makharia, department of Gastroenterology and human nutrition, AIIMS.The study tested a method that estimates fecal bile acids (FBA) using a simple assay and identified a clear diagnostic cut-off. An FBA level of 2.8 µg/g was found to accurately detect the condition, with high sensitivity (89.5%) and specificity (92%), indicating strong diagnostic performance.Researchers compared healthy individuals and patients suffering from intestinal diseases, found markedly higher bile acid levels in those affected. When applied to real-world patient groups, the results were striking.Around 21% of patients with IBS-related diarrhoea or functional diarrhoea were found to have BAM. The proportion was even higher in other groups—57% among those who had undergone gallbladder removal and over 54% of patients with intestinal tuberculosis.These findings suggest that a substantial number of patients currently being treated for other causes of chronic diarrhoea may have an underlying, treatable condition that is being missed.Doctors say this has direct implications for care. Without correct diagnosis, patients often continue to suffer symptoms despite treatment, leading to repeated consultations and reduced quality of life.The biggest advantage of the new approach is its simplicity. Unlike existing diagnostic methods that are technically demanding and limited to specialised centres, this test can be performed on a single stool sample, making it far more accessible for routine use.Experts believe that wider adoption of such testing could help identify hidden cases earlier and enable more targeted treatment.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUP CM Yogi Adityanath Warns Against LPG Hoarding As Global War Sparks Panic And Rumour SpreadEAM Jaishankar Highlights Israel’s Support In Wars, Calls It Vital For Defence TechnologyTharoor Warns West Asia War May Worsen, Flags LPG Shortage And Fuel Price RisksIndia Among Friendly Nations Iran Allows Safe Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz Amid War Zone CrisisChina Bound LPG Tanker Diverted To India As Hormuz Crisis Forces Delhi To Tap Iran LPG AgainDelhi Crime Branch Busts Global Arms Racket With Pakistan, Bangladesh Links And Foreign WeaponsAt Least 14 Dead, 20 Injured After Private Bus Collides With Lorry In Andhra PradeshIranian Air And Space Forces Thank Kashmir For Aid, Vow Revenge After Khamenei’s DeathIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life Sentence123PhotostoriesHow to grow ketaki flower in your home gardenHyderabad petrol pump panic: Long queues seen across fuel stations for second day10 silly habits that can save you hours every week (Without feeling overwhelmed)‘Excuse me?’: Bengaluru professor’s proposal to student sparks rowPlayStation spring sale 2026: 10 game deals you should not missThese powerful traits of Lord Rama are hidden in your birth numberIn a sea of bling, Konkona Sen Sharma’s blue linen saree look feels like a breath of fresh airRohit Sharma’s ₹30 crore Mumbai home is a sea-facing luxury paradise; the 29th floor balcony is the real showstopper!Low magnesium levels: Doctor explains causes, warning signs, and the best treatment options5 small monthly rituals every couple needs for a happy, lasting marriage123Hot PicksKaroline LeavitTristan da Cunha8th Pay CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayHyderabad MurderStrait of Hormuz Toll SystemDonald TrumpUAE Car InsuranceIndor Techie AccidentFlight Ticket Cancellation RulesWest Bengal ElectionLPG crisis reasonTransgender law
NEW DELHI: A simple stool test could soon help doctors identify a commonly missed cause of chronic diarrhoea, potentially ending years of uncertainty for many patients.A new study by researchers from AIIMS and other leading centres, led by Dr Govind K. Makharia, has been published in the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology. The study finds that measuring bile acids in a single stool sample may offer a practical way to diagnose bile acid malabsorption (BAM)—a condition often missed because existing tests are complex and not widely available.Chronic diarrhoea is frequently attributed to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, but experts say a significant number of these patients may actually have BAM, which requires a different line of treatment.“Chronic diarrhoea is quite common in India, affecting nearly 8–10% of people, and about 80% of these cases are due to functional bowel disorders like IBS. However, a small but important subset of patients may have bile acid malabsorption, which often goes undiagnosed because existing tests are complex and not widely available. With newer spot stool tests, it is now possible to identify these cases more easily and tailor treatment accordingly,” said Dr Makharia, department of Gastroenterology and human nutrition, AIIMS.The study tested a method that estimates fecal bile acids (FBA) using a simple assay and identified a clear diagnostic cut-off. An FBA level of 2.8 µg/g was found to accurately detect the condition, with high sensitivity (89.5%) and specificity (92%), indicating strong diagnostic performance.Researchers compared healthy individuals and patients suffering from intestinal diseases, found markedly higher bile acid levels in those affected. When applied to real-world patient groups, the results were striking.Around 21% of patients with IBS-related diarrhoea or functional diarrhoea were found to have BAM. The proportion was even higher in other groups—57% among those who had undergone gallbladder removal and over 54% of patients with intestinal tuberculosis.These findings suggest that a substantial number of patients currently being treated for other causes of chronic diarrhoea may have an underlying, treatable condition that is being missed.Doctors say this has direct implications for care. Without correct diagnosis, patients often continue to suffer symptoms despite treatment, leading to repeated consultations and reduced quality of life.The biggest advantage of the new approach is its simplicity. Unlike existing diagnostic methods that are technically demanding and limited to specialised centres, this test can be performed on a single stool sample, making it far more accessible for routine use.Experts believe that wider adoption of such testing could help identify hidden cases earlier and enable more targeted treatment.
