Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome refers to a group of clinical syndromes including abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, abnormal stool consistency, and mucous stools, which persist or recur. This condition is the most common functional intestinal disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome is an independent intestinal motility disorder with a specific pathophysiological basis, characterized by no structural defects in the intestine but excessive or paradoxical physiological responses to stimuli. In the past, this condition was referred to as "colonic dysfunction," "colonic spasm," "colonic hypersensitivity," "spastic colitis," or "mucous colitis." Questionnaire surveys in the general population report symptomatic cases in 10%-20% in Europe and the United States. It is more common in young and middle-aged adults, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:2. First-time onset after age 50 is extremely rare. The clinical manifestations of irritable bowel syndrome patients include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation as the main symptoms, often triggered by emotional fluctuations. The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains unclear, and no anatomical cause can be identified. Emotional factors, diet, medications, or hormones can precipitate or exacerbate this hypertonic gastrointestinal motility. Some patients have anxiety disorders, especially phobias, adult depression, and somatization disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome is a benign condition that does not threaten normal life or health, with a good prognosis. Although it recurs, it can gradually improve or even resolve with appropriate treatment. Patients with chronic complaints may mask newly developed intestinal malignancies, so vigilance should be maintained to identify early organic diseases hidden within functional complaints and to perform necessary examinations. In terms of treatment, relieving emotional tension, eliminating psychological burden, and enhancing confidence are very important. Therefore, patients should maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, strengthen exercise, and improve physical fitness. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid irritating foods and excessively hot or cold diets, and quit smoking and alcohol. For those with diarrhea, low-residue, easily digestible foods are recommended; for those with constipation, in addition to drinking more water, they should develop regular bowel habits and increase intake of fiber-rich foods. Drug treatment focuses on symptomatic management, adjusting daily medication dosages based on abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel movements; those with constipation should avoid using laxatives as much as possible. Applying hot water bottles to the abdomen, massage, sunbathing, warm baths, and spectrum physiotherapy have certain beneficial effects.