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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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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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.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Does irritable bowel syndrome cause excessive flatulence and stools that are not well-formed?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with frequent flatulence and unformed stools is a possibility, indicating that the patient is experiencing indigestion. When stools contain excessive water, they are likely to be unformed. In such cases, it is advisable to take some digestive aids and medications to regulate intestinal flora for treatment. Digestive aids such as compound digestive enzymes can be chosen, and medications to regulate intestinal flora may include Bacillus subtilis and Bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria, among others. Additionally, consideration can be given to using bidirectional neuromodulators for the intestines, such as Trimebutine Maleate. (Medication usage should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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How to alleviate bloating in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome who experience bloating may consider taking oral prokinetic drugs such as mosapride or itopride for treatment. They could also take digestive aids like compound azintamide or compound digestive enzymes to aid digestion. Additionally, medications that regulate the intestinal flora, such as Bacillus clausii, could be considered for treatment. Of course, the specific choice of medication as well as the dosage should be based on the main clinical symptoms. Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome should eat a light diet, eat regularly and in measured amounts, and consume foods that are easy to digest.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is irritable bowel syndrome just stomach pain that gets better by farting?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is primarily a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and changes in the nature of stools, meaning there are alternations between diarrhea and constipation. A notable feature of the abdominal pain associated with IBS is that it often diminishes after defecation. Therefore, it is not necessarily true that pain relief or disappearance occurs after passing gas; typically, the relief comes after bowel movements, this is a characteristic of the condition. In cases of abdominal pain, symptomatic treatment can be applied, for instance, using pain relief medications. If diarrhea is present, anti-diarrheal medications, such as smectite powder, may be used. For constipation, medications that help facilitate bowel movements can be administered. Regular intake of probiotics to adjust the gut flora can also effectively treat this condition.