In clinical work and in life, we often see people who have abdominal pain and diarrhea when they are slightly exposed to cold, hot, sour or spicy food, and the number of diarrhea is even more than 10 times per day; some people are constipated and have diarrhea at the same time. Some people are diagnosed with “irritable bowel syndrome” and repeatedly go to the hospital without any abnormalities, so they are often not noticed, but the above symptoms last for several years or for life; they bring a lot of physical and mental pain to the patients, and also bring a lot of inconvenience to their work, study and daily life.
Definition of irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a global disease characterized by abdominal pain or abdominal discomfort with changes in stool characteristics and bowel habit (constipation or diarrhea) as a functional intestinal disorder. The pathogenesis of IBS in adults is not well understood, but its development is not only related to intestinal infections and food intolerance, but also to psychological factors such as depression and anxiety.
Surveys in the United States show that IBS accounts for about 30% of outpatient visits to gastroenterology clinics and consumes about $8 billion in medical resources each year. IBS is also one of the causes of non-war attrition in the military. It has been reported that the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disease among soldiers who participated in the Gulf War was as high as 60% or more, and the incidence of IBS is the highest among functional gastrointestinal diseases, which is one of the most common non-weapon wound diseases among soldiers in times of peace. Despite the high prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome, very little is known about it.
In the past, the names used to diagnose this disease were very confusing, such as gastrointestinal neurosis, allergic colitis, spastic colitis, irritable colitis, chronic colitis, and gastrointestinal dysfunction have all been used.
Clinical features of IBS 1. Different degrees of abdominal pain with variable locations, mostly in the lower and left lower abdomen, and relieved after defecation or exhaustion. Some foods such as coarse-fiber vegetables, coarse-quality fruits, strong condiments, wine, and cold drinks can induce abdominal pain. The abdominal pain does not worsen progressively. No seizure during sleep.
2, chronic, frequent episodes of diarrhea with pain: generally 3-5 times a day, a few severe episodes of stool up to a dozen times, the stool is mostly thin paste, can also be thin watery or formed soft stool; diarrhea or unformed stool sometimes alternate with normal stool or constipation.
3, with painful chronic, frequent episodes of constipation: difficult to defecate, dry stool, small amount, sheep feces or fine rod-shaped, the surface can be attached to mucus. A significant proportion of patients are accompanied by insomnia, anxiety, depression, dizziness, headache and other psychiatric symptoms.
Key points in the prevention and treatment of IBS Patients with IBS can benefit from lifestyle changes. Maintaining an optimistic and stable mood, relaxing the body and mind, improving sleep, listening to music and exercising daily can reduce anxiety and help relieve intestinal symptoms.
Changes in dietary habits may also be helpful. Avoid foods of suspected intolerance, such as shrimp, crab, milk, peanuts, etc. Spicy, frozen, greasy and cold foods, tobacco, alcohol, coffee and chocolate should be avoided. Eat a rationed diet, do not over-starve or over-feed, and develop good living habits. Patients with diarrhea should eat less residue, easy to digest, low-fat food; constipated people should eat more fiber vegetables, coarse grains, etc.
Regulate intestinal flora Supplement normal flora with appropriate amounts of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, etc. Drinking appropriate yogurt daily is a relatively easy and effective method.
Other possible treatments may include psychological counseling for patients with severe anxiety and depression; antidiarrheal medication for IBS with diarrhea as the main symptom; low-dose antidepressants to help relieve intestinal pain; and medication for constipation.