Can an ultrasound detect irritable bowel syndrome?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 29, 2024
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Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. Its main symptoms are abdominal pain and changes in the nature of stool, with the abdominal pain being related to defecation, meaning that the pain is followed by a bowel movement. Since it is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, there are no organic changes, meaning there are no physical changes in any part of the body. It is solely a functional change, and therefore cannot be detected through an ultrasound. In fact, no tests can detect the functional nature of this disorder. In terms of examining the intestinal mucosa, ultrasound cannot visualize it either. The only way to clearly see the intestinal mucosa is through a colonoscopy, so ultrasound cannot detect irritable bowel syndrome.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can irritable bowel syndrome cause mucus in stool?

Irritable bowel syndrome commonly presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Typically, passing mucus in stool is not a symptom of this condition. If mucus in stool occurs, it may suggest chronic colitis. A colonoscopy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. If the colonoscopy reveals white mucus in the intestines, or signs of mucosal hyperemia, edema, or erosion, chronic colitis can be diagnosed. In terms of treatment, Western medicine primarily uses probiotics to adjust the gut flora. Chinese medicine, on the other hand, treats patients based on syndrome differentiation, using oral herbal medicine as well as external Chinese medicinal methods, which include moxibustion or herbal enemas, among others, to alleviate symptoms and treat the disease.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can a hot compress be applied to the navel for irritable bowel syndrome?

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating can apply heat to their belly button. By doing so, this increases blood circulation in the abdomen and promotes intestinal peristalsis, which can help alleviate the symptoms of IBS. Besides applying heat to the belly button, traditional Chinese medicine methods such as moxibustion, acupuncture, and physical therapy can also be used. If these treatments do not lead to significant improvements, Western medicines may be employed, such as drugs that adjust the intestinal flora, like compound lactobacillus.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is irritable bowel syndrome prone to recurrence?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, characterized mainly by abdominal pain associated with bowel habits, as well as changes in the characteristics of the stool, such as alternating diarrhea or constipation. Generally, abdominal pain tends to decrease after defecation and is related to it. This condition is prone to recurring episodes, presenting a prolonged and difficult-to-cure phenomenon. In Western medicine, probiotics can be taken orally to adjust the gut flora and alleviate symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also provides options, including herbal medicine based on syndrome differentiation and oral administration. Additionally, external TCM therapies such as moxibustion, herbal enemas, and herbal hydrotherapy are also effective in treating this condition.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can a CT scan check for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common type of functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized primarily by abdominal pain accompanied by changes in habitual bowel patterns. The abdominal pain is related to defecation, often improving after bowel movements, and the symptoms frequently recur or are chronically persistent. Thus, IBS is a functional disease, meaning it does not involve organic changes. In other words, medical examinations do not reveal problems in any specific part of the body. Therefore, IBS cannot be detected with a CT scan, and CT also cannot visualize the intestinal mucosa. Even diseases like chronic colitis cannot be detected with a CT scan. Any diseases involving the gastrointestinal mucosa cannot be uncovered by CT, hence diagnosis requires the use of gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can irritable bowel syndrome cause back pain?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. Its primary symptoms are abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits and stool characteristics. The abdominal pain is related to bowel movements, meaning that the pain tends to decrease after defecation. These symptoms are a major manifestation of IBS. IBS rarely causes lower back pain. If lower back pain occurs, it is important to consider diseases that commonly cause this symptom, such as lumbar disc herniation, lumbar muscle strain, and kidney diseases like kidney stones and renal colic. Therefore, it is crucial to first identify the specific cause of the lower back pain before proceeding with targeted treatment. IBS is generally not associated with symptoms of lower back pain.