Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms caused by changes in colonic motility and myoelectric activity due to psychological or allergic factors, manifesting as dysfunction in intestinal movement or secretion. It has been referred to as colonic allergy, unstable colon, colonic dysfunction, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis, but in essence, there is no inflammation in the colon.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Clinically, it is more common in women and primarily manifests as sudden or paroxysmal cramping pain in the lower left abdomen, accompanied by abnormal bowel movements (stool may be loose with increased mucus). Symptoms are often triggered or worsened by consuming cold or raw foods and can be relieved by passing gas, defecation, or applying heat to the abdomen. Diarrhea, which contains mucus but no other formed components, may occur after meals, in the morning, or in the evening but never at night. Some patients may experience alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

X-ray contrast shows spastic narrowing of the colon, accelerated passage of barium, and deepening of haustra. The diagnosis can only be made after excluding organic diseases such as bacterial dysentery, amebic dysentery, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

In treatment, patients should be given patient and detailed explanations to adjust gastrointestinal dysfunction and maintain regular bowel movements. Sedatives and autonomic nerve regulators such as diazepam and gamma-oryzanol can be used. For diarrhea, diphenoxylate or loperamide may be chosen. For constipation, the focus should be on moistening the intestines, using 30g of Chinese Angelica or/and 30g of Hemp Seed, decocted with water for oral administration; or Tongtai capsules, 2-4 capsules each time, three times a day. For spasmodic abdominal pain, nifedipine or propantheline can be used, and normal intestinal flora should be established.