Irritable bowel syndrome

This article was professionally reviewed by Dr. Vo Van Long, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits without any identifiable physical damage to the digestive system.

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still unknown, but it may be caused by a number of factors. Triggering factors include:

- Systemic hypersensitivity in the intestines.

- Gastrointestinal motility disorders.

- Following inflammation or infection of the intestines.

- After abdominal and pelvic surgery.

- Diet.

- Stress.

- Genetics.

Manifestations

- The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person and often resemble those of other conditions.

- Common signs and symptoms include:

* Abdominal pain or cramping: The pain has no specific characteristics, no fixed location, and may be along the colon. The pain worsens after eating or sometimes occurs even before eating. Pain may occur after eating unfamiliar foods, stale food, or during stress. The pain subsides after bowel movements or defecation and usually disappears at night.

* Feeling bloated or gassy.

* Diarrhea or constipation, sometimes with alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.

* Feeling like you haven't completely emptied your bowels.

Diagnose

- Rome III criteria (2005): Abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 days/month for 3 months, with a previous onset at least 6 months prior, associated with two or more of the following symptoms:

* Improvement after bowel movements.

* It begins with a change in bowel movement frequency.

* The onset is associated with changes in stool consistency.

- Rome IV criteria (2016): Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic bowel disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain occurring at least one day per week for the past 3 months, associated with two or more of the following symptoms:

* Related to bowel movements.

* Related to bowel movement frequency.

* Related to changes in stool shape.

Consequence

- Diarrhea and constipation, both signs of irritable bowel syndrome, can worsen hemorrhoids if you already have them.

- This can lead to malnutrition: by avoiding certain essential foods, the body will not receive sufficient nutrients.

- Reducing your quality of life can be the most serious complication. This impact can make you feel that life is not fulfilling, leading to feelings of sadness or depression.

Treatment

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unclear, so treatment focuses on reducing symptoms to help patients lead a normal life.

- Modern medicine

* Symptom treatment.

* Improve the quality of life.

- Traditional medicine

* Medication: Use herbs that soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen, regulate qi and relieve pain, clear heat from the large intestine, and moisten dryness to promote bowel movements...

* Non-drug treatments: Acupuncture (micro-needling, electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture, thread embedding, laser acupuncture, hydroacupuncture), massage and acupressure, therapeutic exercises.

Prevent

- Eat at fixed times each day and don't skip meals.

- Add foods high in fiber to your diet.

- Limit foods high in fat and oil, foods that are difficult to tolerate (such as lactose intolerance), and spicy foods.

- Drink enough water.

- Avoid carbonated drinks and stimulants such as alcohol, beer, and coffee.

- Avoid eating food that has been left out for a long time or stored improperly.

- Exercise regularly to improve health and relax the nerves.

Avoid excessive stress and anxiety.

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