Objective : This study reports on the case of a patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed by the Shanghanlun disease pattern identification diagnostic system (DPIDS). We tried to verify the therapeutic effects of Soseunggi-tang (SSGT) administration and pathological character.

Methods : The patient was administered SSGT for 31 days. We observed the progression of symptoms, patient compliance, and the presence of side effects. The progression of IBS was evaluated based the on Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Abdominal pain, flatus, visual findings, and patient statements were also assessed.

Results : According to the DPIDS, the patient was diagnosed with Yangmingbing (陽明病). As a result, his GSRS score dropped from 15 to 5, the visual analog scale (VAS) score for abdominal pain lowered from 9 to 4, and the VAS score for flatus decreased from 8 to 4. The stool type changed from diarrhea to a loose stool form.

Conclusions : SSGT showed therapeutic effects on the patient diagnosed with IBS and Yangmingbing.

Key words : Yangmingbing (陽明病), Shanghanlun disease pattern identification diagnostic system, Soseunggi-tang, Irritable bowel syndrome, Gastrointestinal symptom rating scale