There is no evidence that Chinese medicine can cure irritable bowel syndrome, which is usually treated with life interventions, dietary therapy, and Western medications such as pivotal ammonium bromide and loperamide. As an adjunctive treatment, Chinese medicine can help relieve symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional intestinal disorder, the etiology and pathogenesis of which are still unclear, and is mainly characterized by abdominal pain or abdominal discomfort accompanied by changes in bowel habits.
Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome usually involves adjusting lifestyle and establishing regular bowel habits; reducing intake of foods that cause gastrointestinal discomfort; and using antispasmodic agents such as pivacurium bromide, antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide, laxatives such as lactulose, and probiotics such as Bifidobacterium terreus for symptomatic treatment.
There is no evidence that TCM can cure irritable bowel syndrome, but as an adjunctive treatment, oral herbs, acupuncture and moxibustion can be used to help improve symptoms.
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome who need to receive Chinese medicine as an adjunctive treatment are advised to follow the doctor’s instructions and standardize their treatment at a regular medical institution.