Khai experienced rapid weight loss and frequent anxiety for about four months. He sought examination at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM. His blood and stool tests, abdominal ultrasound, and digestive endoscopy revealed no abnormalities. The endoscopy showed his colorectal lining was smooth and pink, free of ulcers, inflammation, or tumors.

Doctor Pham Thi Quynh Nhu, from the Department of Internal Medicine, diagnosed Khai with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common functional digestive disorder that often causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, but without any damage to the colon.

The gut and brain are closely linked. Prolonged stress can send signals from the brain, disrupting gut motility and leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Additionally, an imbalanced diet and gas-producing foods (FODMAPs) — such as dairy, wheat, certain legumes, and sweet fruits, along with coffee, alcohol, spicy, and greasy items — can trigger colonic spasms.

Khai describes his common symptoms to Doctor Nhu. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Khai received treatment with antispasmodic medications for colonic smooth muscle to reduce abdominal pain, combined with gut motility regulators to stabilize bowel irregularities. Probiotics are also essential to restore gut microbiota, along with acid-secreting inhibitors to control gastroesophageal reflux. Concurrently, doctors advised Khai to adopt a Low-FODMAP diet, limiting carbohydrate groups to reduce gas pressure in the colon.

Patients were advised to make lifestyle changes, including avoiding staying up late, dedicating at least 15 minutes daily to exercise, and practicing diaphragmatic breathing (abdominal breathing). This exercise helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming stress signals transmitted to the gut when facing pressure.

After one month of treatment, Khai no longer experienced abdominal pain or diarrhea, and his reflux symptoms improved. When experiencing prolonged abdominal pain, bowel irregularities, heartburn, or a burning sensation in the throat, patients should adjust their lifestyle. If symptoms persist, a medical examination is recommended for a doctor to determine the cause and provide timely treatment.

Thao Vy

*Patient's name has been changed