How to tell the difference between irritable bowel syndrome and pelvic inflammatory disease?

The difference between irritable bowel syndrome and pelvic inflammatory disease can be determined through symptoms, physical examinations and specific medical tests. Irritable bowel syndrome is mainly manifested by abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and the symptoms are significantly related to defecation; while pelvic inflammatory disease is mostly manifested by persistent pain in the lower abdomen, which may be accompanied by fever, abnormal vaginal discharge and other symptoms. When the symptoms of the two overlap, it is necessary to see a doctor and undergo relevant examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease associated with intestinal dysfunction. The cause of the disease is not yet fully understood, but it may be related to an imbalance of intestinal flora, mental stress or eating habits. Its main feature is intermittent abdominal pain, which is relieved after defecation, often accompanied by diarrhea or constipation symptoms. Some patients also experience abdominal distension and a feeling of incomplete defecation. Generally, the disease does not cause fever, inflammation or abnormal blood indicators. In contrast, pelvic inflammatory disease is usually caused by bacterial infection and is an inflammatory disease of the female internal reproductive organs. Typical symptoms include persistent lower abdominal pain, fever, increased vaginal discharge and even odor. In severe cases, it may cause fallopian tube and ovarian lesions, which have long-term effects on reproductive function. During clinical diagnosis, doctors often use specific detection methods such as abdominal compression, pelvic B-ultrasound or vaginal discharge examination to distinguish between the two diseases.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease associated with intestinal dysfunction. The cause of the disease is not yet fully understood, but it may be related to an imbalance of intestinal flora, mental stress or eating habits. Its main feature is intermittent abdominal pain, which is relieved after defecation, often accompanied by diarrhea or constipation symptoms. Some patients also experience abdominal distension and a feeling of incomplete defecation. Generally, the disease does not cause fever, inflammation or abnormal blood indicators. In contrast, pelvic inflammatory disease is usually caused by bacterial infection and is an inflammatory disease of the female internal reproductive organs. Typical symptoms include persistent lower abdominal pain, fever, increased vaginal discharge and even odor. In severe cases, it may cause fallopian tube and ovarian lesions, which have long-term effects on reproductive function. During clinical diagnosis, doctors often use specific detection methods such as abdominal compression, pelvic B-ultrasound or vaginal discharge examination to distinguish between the two diseases.

If you suspect you have any of the above diseases, you should go to a regular hospital for diagnosis and treatment in time to clarify the cause. For irritable bowel syndrome, drugs that relax the intestines, such as trimebutine, or probiotics are often used to regulate intestinal health. It is also recommended to adjust your diet and avoid spicy, raw, cold and irritating foods. For pelvic inflammatory disease, mild infections can be treated with antibacterial drugs (such as cephalosporins, metronidazole, etc.), and severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous medication or surgical drainage. Maintaining personal hygiene, paying attention to sexual health, and regular gynecological examinations are particularly important for preventing pelvic inflammatory disease. If the symptoms are obvious or difficult to distinguish, you should see a doctor for a more detailed examination and professional judgment.