Is irritable bowel syndrome prone to recurrence?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 22, 2025
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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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if irritable bowel syndrome causes diarrhea immediately after eating?

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome experience diarrhea immediately after eating, and at this time, it is necessary to further perfect the electronic colonoscopy to exclude the possibility of organic intestinal diseases. If the possibility of organic intestinal diseases has been completely ruled out, it is possible to consider the discretionary use of bidirectional intestinal regulators for treatment, such as the use of trimebutine maleate. It is also necessary to use medications that regulate the intestinal flora for treatment. If necessary, anti-anxiety medications such as fluvoxamine and milnacipran can also be used for treatment. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Does pressing on the stomach hurt with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Whether pressing on the abdomen causes pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) depends on the specific circumstances. If an IBS patient experiences abdominal pain due to intestinal spasms, pressing on the abdomen may relieve the pain. If an IBS patient does not have abdominal pain and deeply presses on the abdomen, it may cause abdominal pain. IBS patients should eat light, easily digestible foods and avoid spicy and irritating foods. They should quit smoking and drinking, avoid drinking strong tea and coffee, and also need to use some medications to regulate the intestinal flora for treatment.

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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.

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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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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.