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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Is bowel sounds after eating indicative of irritable bowel syndrome?

If there is increased bowel sounds and irritable bowel syndrome after eating, there is inevitably a connection. Overeating or consuming overly greasy, indigestible food, or spicy and stimulating foods can lead to abdominal organ issues and abdominal pain, with symptoms like increased bowel sounds or diarrhea. However, if there are gastrointestinal diseases, especially conditions like gastritis or gastric ulcers, uncomfortable symptoms may also occur after eating.

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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
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Does irritable bowel syndrome cause sensitivity to cold?

Irritable bowel syndrome may cause symptoms of feeling cold. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome are greatly influenced by emotions. If a patient is overly tense or anxious, it may lead to a sensation of feeling cold, although there may be no actual drop in body temperature or external temperature. Sometimes, patients with irritable bowel syndrome may need to use anti-anxiety medications for treatment, such as fluoxetine, buspirone, etc. It is also crucial to pay close attention to dietary adjustments, avoiding spicy, irritating, and cold foods, ensuring regular meals, and consuming easily digestible foods. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Is infusion effective for irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized primarily by abdominal pain accompanied by changes in bowel habits and stool characteristics. The abdominal pain is related to bowel movements, and typically eases after defecation. This condition is a functional disorder, meaning that it does not exhibit any organic problems; that is, medical examinations do not reveal any physical abnormalities. It manifests merely as a series of symptoms. Therefore, what type of infusion should be used for this disease? Anti-inflammatory or rehydration? Infusions are generally ineffective. Usually, oral probiotics are used to adjust the intestinal flora to improve symptoms. Alternatively, oral traditional Chinese medicine can also be administered to alleviate the symptoms.

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Does irritable bowel syndrome cause flat stools?

Generally speaking, irritable bowel syndrome does not cause flat stools. If a patient experiences flat stools, it is very likely due to a tumor or polyps in the intestine compressing the stool, leading to deformation and flatness of the stool. Once a patient experiences flat stools, it is advised to visit the gastroenterology department of a hospital as soon as possible to undergo a colonoscopy to determine the cause of the flat stools. If it is found to be caused by a tumor or polyps in the intestine, then a biopsy of the pathological tissue should be done to promptly confirm the diagnosis. Of course, it could also be caused by conditions such as anal stenosis.