Can a CT scan check for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 13, 2024
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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 Wu Hai Wu
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Can people with irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea eat steamed buns?

People with diarrhea due to irritable bowel syndrome can eat steamed buns because they need to avoid foods like milk, coffee, and soy milk, which can exacerbate diarrhea. Steamed buns do not cause diarrhea, so patients with irritable bowel syndrome can eat them normally, but they should not eat too much and should eat in moderation, avoiding overeating. At the same time, patients with irritable bowel syndrome should eat more easily digestible and light foods, avoid spicy and stimulating foods as well as greasy foods, and also avoid alcohol, strong tea, coffee, etc.

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Written by Si Li Li
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What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

The main symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include abdominal pain, changes in stool characteristics such as diarrhea or constipation, and some patients may also experience symptoms like stools with white mucus. When patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome undergo a colonoscopy, the intestinal mucosa shows no organic changes; the symptoms are merely discomfort, which are primarily influenced by psychological factors. Consuming probiotics to regulate the gut flora can help alleviate these symptoms. Furthermore, patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome should avoid tension, anxiety, or depression, and maintain a cheerful mood, which is beneficial for recovery. Dietary considerations should focus on light and easily digestible foods.

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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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Gastroenterology
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Does irritable bowel syndrome have anything to do with the stomach?

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be somewhat related to the stomach. IBS is considered a type of functional dyspepsia, with main symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or an alternation between diarrhea and constipation. Patients may also experience some symptoms related to the stomach such as acid reflux, burping, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department of a reputable hospital as soon as possible and to undergo a gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Effective medication can be chosen based on the above symptoms and those of irritable bowel syndrome for treatment.

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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.