What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 27, 2025
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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 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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome serious?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. It is primarily characterized by abdominal pain accompanied by changes in bowel habits and stool characteristics. The abdominal pain is related to bowel movements and generally improves after defecation. The symptoms are recurrent and tend to linger, showing a chronic pattern. This disease is of a functional nature. There are no organic changes in the body, meaning there are symptoms present but no other physical abnormalities. Thus, while IBS can be uncomfortable, it does not cause significant harm to the body. Probiotics can be used to adjust the gut flora and treat these symptoms, which can lead to some improvements.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Will carcinoembryonic antigen increase in irritable bowel syndrome?

Generally speaking, patients with irritable bowel syndrome do not experience an increase in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. An increase in CEA levels suggests the possibility of adenocarcinoma or precursor lesions of adenocarcinoma, which may not only be present in the intestines but also in the lungs and other tissues. In theory, tumor markers for patients with irritable bowel syndrome should be within the normal range. Once an increase in tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen is observed, it is crucial to be highly vigilant about the possibility of adenocarcinoma, and it is necessary to actively complete related auxiliary tests, such as electronic colonoscopy, abdominal CT, chest CT, among others.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is running good for irritable bowel syndrome?

Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can benefit from running as part of their recovery process. Patients with IBS need moderate exercise, which can significantly aid in the recovery of their intestinal health. Additionally, IBS is somewhat linked to emotions; engaging in physical exercise can relieve fatigue and shift the patient's focus, which helps in improving the symptoms of IBS. At the same time, patients with IBS should consume a diet consisting of light and easily digestible foods, and avoid greasy or spicy foods.

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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.)