Can a CT scan check for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 13, 2024
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common type of functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized primarily by abdominal pain accompanied by changes in habitual bowel patterns. The abdominal pain is related to defecation, often improving after bowel movements, and the symptoms frequently recur or are chronically persistent. Thus, IBS is a functional disease, meaning it does not involve organic changes. In other words, medical examinations do not reveal problems in any specific part of the body. Therefore, IBS cannot be detected with a CT scan, and CT also cannot visualize the intestinal mucosa. Even diseases like chronic colitis cannot be detected with a CT scan. Any diseases involving the gastrointestinal mucosa cannot be uncovered by CT, hence diagnosis requires the use of gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Why does irritable bowel syndrome cause back pain?

Generally speaking, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) itself does not cause back pain. However, patients with IBS often experience psychological stress, emotional anxiety, and insomnia, among other issues. Therefore, it is highly likely that back pain in these patients may be due to anxiety and insomnia, as a lack of restful sleep can lead to back pain. If a patient experiences back pain, it is advised to visit a hospital as soon as possible for comprehensive examinations to rule out the possibility of any organic diseases. Consideration of traditional Chinese medicine and herbal treatments can also be taken into account.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Do you need to take medication for a long time for irritable bowel syndrome?

Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) do not have organic diseases in their intestines. The main issue is that the threshold of their intestinal tract is relatively low, making it easy for accumulations to occur, which subsequently leads to IBS. Patients are often tense and anxious. Therefore, patients with this condition often need to take medication for a long time to achieve relatively effective symptom control. However, patients with IBS should not be overly nervous or anxious, as IBS does not lead to malignant intestinal changes or other organic intestinal diseases.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Does irritable bowel syndrome have anything to do with the stomach?

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be somewhat related to the stomach. IBS is considered a type of functional dyspepsia, with main symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or an alternation between diarrhea and constipation. Patients may also experience some symptoms related to the stomach such as acid reflux, burping, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department of a reputable hospital as soon as possible and to undergo a gastroscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Effective medication can be chosen based on the above symptoms and those of irritable bowel syndrome for treatment.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if irritable bowel syndrome causes diarrhea immediately after eating?

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome experience diarrhea immediately after eating, and at this time, it is necessary to further perfect the electronic colonoscopy to exclude the possibility of organic intestinal diseases. If the possibility of organic intestinal diseases has been completely ruled out, it is possible to consider the discretionary use of bidirectional intestinal regulators for treatment, such as the use of trimebutine maleate. It is also necessary to use medications that regulate the intestinal flora for treatment. If necessary, anti-anxiety medications such as fluvoxamine and milnacipran can also be used for treatment. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How can we prevent stomach pain from irritable bowel syndrome?

Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who experience abdominal pain can lightly massage their abdomen or apply heat using a hot towel or heating pad. Of course, if the abdominal pain is severe, antispasmodic pain relief medication can be used for treatment, or traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or moxibustion can be applied. Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome should maintain a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. They should eat more foods containing rough fiber to more effectively prevent the occurrence of abdominal pain. Additionally, patients need to regulate dietary and emotional factors.