Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent yet misunderstood disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract, which contains the stomach and the intestine, and impacts millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms usually thought to lead to another disorder rather than, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. These symptoms are most often abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and irregularities regarding bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation. While IBS is not a life-threatening disorder, it significantly impacts a person's daily life, making it an ongoing condition that requires long-term management.
The exact causes of IBS are still unknown; however, factors that play a role include neurogastrointestinal disorders. Two neurogastrointestinal disorders that have been discovered to be connected with IBS are Dysmotility and Visceral Hypersensitivity.
Dysmotility causes irregular contractions that are either stronger or weaker in the GI muscles. In normal circumstances, the layers of muscle lined in the walls of the intestines contract as food moves through the digestive tract. When Dysmotility occurs, the normal contraction either becomes stronger or weaker than what it was originally. Stronger contractions lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea while the weaker contractions slow the passage of food and produce hard, dry stools.
Visceral Hypersensitivity occurs when the pain tolerance in the internal organs is lower than the pain tolerance of someone without it. This is associated with IBS because an individual with Visceral Hypersensitivity would have extra-sensitive nerves in the GI tract which then creates super sensitivity to abdominal discomfort or pain.
While understanding the causes of IBS is crucial, it's equally as important to recognize the factors that can trigger or worsen symptoms. Some of the triggers include certain foods, stress, and periods. The food triggers often vary for each person, however, foods that include dairy, gluten, and foods or drinks that make one gassy, are common foods that are triggers among many individuals. For periods, many females during their period often notice that certain phases of the period trigger symptoms of IBS to worsen. In some cases, stress is also one of the triggers since it's seen as IBS being the gut's response to stress, which is why IBS is sometimes called the "nervous stomach". In addition to triggers, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing IBS.
In addition to triggers, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing IBS. It most commonly occurs in people who are under the age of 50, with most people experiencing symptoms in their late teens to early 40s. Women are most likely to have IBS as it's up to twice as likely for females to be diagnosed with IBS. A family history of IBS can also increase the chance of developing the disorder, which suggests that genetic factors and environmental influences also may be a factor. Mental health conditions, such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety are most often seen in people with IBS. Other factors also include different food intolerances, severe digestive tract infections, and chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia (pain in muscles and joints throughout the body), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (type of fatigue or exhaustion that lasts six months or longer), and chronic pelvic pain, all of which are associated with IBS. Although IBS can be a challenging condition, understanding several risk factors paves the way for better management of IBS.
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be very difficult, but with the right strategies, individuals can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Understanding what IBS is, its triggers, and the potential causes, is essential in creating ways to manage IBS. While IBS is a chronic condition, seeking professional advice for proper diagnosis and treatment as well as making changes to diet, stress management, and lifestyle can reduce the impact that IBS has on daily life. With the right approach, individuals with IBS can lead meaningful and manageable lives in spite of the challenges that IBS presents.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22997-visceral-hypersensitivity
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4832-fibromyalgia
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17720-myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-me-cfs Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board