What Are the Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Are You at Risk?
6/1/2023
The GI disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can impact your daily life in many ways. Resulting in symptoms in the large intestine, stomach, and other areas of the digestive tract, irritable bowel syndrome typically leads to painful and unfortunate symptoms.
At Specialists in Gastroenterology, we understand the unpleasant symptoms this condition might have on your health, comfort, and standard of living. Our GI doctors regularly see irritable bowel syndrome in St. Louis, MO patients and are here to help you to ease its effects. See below to learn what’s the cause of this GI condition and see if you could be at risk.
How does irritable bowel syndrome develop in a person?
The precise cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown at this time. Doctors believe it’s the result of an interruption between the brain (which is actually in charge of gut function) and the gastro system, causing gastroenterologists to reference it as “the brain-gut disorder.” This disconnect can cause passage complications throughout your digestive tract, causing the muscles to move food through the intestines too slow or too quick. IBS is also known as “spastic colon” due to the spasms in the colon that generally occur with irritable bowel syndrome.
A number of elements could be irritable bowel syndrome triggers, such as:
- Changes in your microbial makeup of the intestines
- Stresses throughout life
- Fluctuations in your hormones
- Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and soda
- Intestinal infections, such as bacterial or viral gastroenteritis
- A diet containing fatty and spicy foods
- Alcohol consumption
Being aware of IBS triggers and your chance of getting irritable bowel syndrome should help you better manage your body’s reception in the event you are diagnosed with IBS.
What are the risk factors of IBS?
IBS is an intricate gastro problem. As such, a variety of elements may combine to cause irritable bowel syndrome’s inception or reoccurrence. The most common factors that might increase one’s risk of the condition may include:
- Familial history: If you have family members with IBS, you may be more susceptible of developing IBS.
- Lifestyle choices: An unhealthy diet, not exercising, use of tobacco and/or alcohol, and obesity may increase the chances of having irritable bowel syndrome.
- Age group: Individuals of almost all ages could experience the condition, but it generally starts during the teenage years or early adulthood. It is not as frequent in individuals over 50 years old.
- Mental health: Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, may increase the chances of the condition.
- Being a woman: Irritable bowel syndrome is nearly twice as frequent among women than men.
If you are worried you are at risk of developing IBS or have any other GI concerns, we encourage you to request an appointment at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location in St. Louis, MO.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
Irritable bowel difficulties can change from one patient to the next. Commonly, IBS symptoms in women differ from IBS symptoms in men and usually even vary in strength. A great deal of people with the condition generally have moderate effects. The standard symptoms of IBS are:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Mucus in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Gassiness
- Diarrhea
- Cramping in the abdomen
- Difficulty passing stools
In the event you have any one of these symptoms or signs or find a shift in your bathroom tendencies, it is essential to consult a GI expert. Our GI providers can review your concerns and/or symptoms to verify if IBS is the culprit of your issues.
How can irritable bowel syndrome be treated?
Though preventing IBS isn’t always possible, steps can be taken to help reduce its effects. Treating irritable bowel syndrome often involves long-term management of IBS symptoms to manage the condition. Reducing associated issues and caring for irritable bowel syndrome might include lifestyle changes, including eating a high-fiber diet, drinking a lot of water, a weekly exercise routine, and avoiding common IBS triggers. Select medications could also help alleviate the symptoms, like anti-nausea, anticholinergic, anti-diarrheal, and antidepressant medications. Fiber supplements or laxatives might be prescribed to help treat associated issues that can activate the disorder.
IBS treatment in St. Louis, MO
More than causing annoying symptoms, IBS makes many people feel defeated and resigned. Rest assured that it is possible to experience relief from this chronic problem. Our team at Specialists in Gastroenterology delivers care for this condition and will help usher you and/or your loved one to an enhanced quality of life. For more information about your risks, irritable bowel syndrome self-care, and to access a GI doctor who provides treatment for irritable bowel syndrome in St. Louis, MO, call a location near you to request an appointment.