Is irritable bowel syndrome just stomach pain that gets better by farting?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on April 11, 2025
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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.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can you smoke with irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized primarily by abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits and stool characteristics. The abdominal pain is related to defecation, typically easing after bowel movements. This condition tends to be recurrent and persistent. As for whether individuals with this syndrome can smoke, given that smoking can significantly harm many organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, it is advised against. Smoking can potentially exacerbate the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Therefore, smoking is not recommended for individuals with 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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Where to massage for irritable bowel syndrome?

If patients with irritable bowel syndrome experience abdominal discomfort, they can massage around the navel. Massaging can promote intestinal peristalsis and effectively alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. If the effect is still not satisfactory after massage, consider using a hot water bottle or warm towel for hot compresses. When necessary, traditional Chinese medicine techniques such as moxibustion, acupuncture, and physiotherapy should also be considered. If the effect remains inadequate after the above treatments, consider taking Western medicine treatments, such as oral Bacillus cereus and Bifidobacterium triplex live bacteria to regulate the intestinal flora. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.