irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disease.

It may be related to many factors, such as abnormal intestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, intestinal flora imbalance, mental and psychological factors, etc. Abnormal intestinal motility may lead to too fast or too slow intestinal motility, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. Visceral hypersensitivity makes patients more sensitive to intestinal stimuli and prone to discomfort; intestinal flora imbalance may affect intestinal function; and psychological factors such as anxiety and depression also play an important role in the pathogenesis.

Irritable bowel syndrome mainly includes abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort, which may be accompanied by diarrhea, constipation or both. Abdominal pain is often associated with defecation and can be relieved after defecation. In addition, abdominal distension and mucus may be present, but there is usually no evidence of organic disease.

The diagnosis of this disease must exclude other organic diseases. Other diseases are usually excluded by detailed history, physical examination, necessary laboratory tests, and imaging tests. Diagnostic criteria usually include recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort accompanied by changes in bowel habits.