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 Wu Hai Wu
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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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Does irritable bowel syndrome cause stomach discomfort?

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome may experience stomach discomfort, as irritable bowel syndrome may be a type of functional dyspepsia. Therefore, patients with functional dyspepsia may experience stomach discomfort, which manifests as bloating, early satiety, belching, acid reflux, heartburn, etc. Once patients experience stomach discomfort, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department of a reputable hospital as soon as possible to complete a gastroscopic examination and a carbon-13 breath test, as well as to check for Helicobacter pylori. When necessary, targeted symptomatic treatment should be conducted.

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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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is irritable bowel syndrome prone to recurrence?

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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can an ultrasound detect irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. Its main symptoms are abdominal pain and changes in the nature of stool, with the abdominal pain being related to defecation, meaning that the pain is followed by a bowel movement. Since it is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, there are no organic changes, meaning there are no physical changes in any part of the body. It is solely a functional change, and therefore cannot be detected through an ultrasound. In fact, no tests can detect the functional nature of this disorder. In terms of examining the intestinal mucosa, ultrasound cannot visualize it either. The only way to clearly see the intestinal mucosa is through a colonoscopy, so ultrasound cannot detect irritable bowel syndrome.