Chronic illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are far too complex to simply attribute their development to psychological stress or bad attitudes. You may participate in some activities that predispose you to illness or disease, but you do not cause your disease. Do not blame yourself.
IBS Causes and Risk Factors
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is more common in women and tends to run in families. Though not directly the cause, stress, food allergies, caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods can irritate bowels and induce IBS symptoms like gas, bloating and diarrhea.
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See All 2 AnswersThe most problematic foods for patients with IBS are fiber and dairy. Scott Choi, MD from StoneSprings Hospital Center, shares how certain foods can help or hurt with digestion.
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Riverside Health System answeredSee All 3 AnswersUp to one in five Americans has IBS. IBS often begins before the age of 35, but it can start at any age. IBS seems to run in families--people with IBS often report having a family member with IBS. Most people diagnosed with IBS (up to 75 percent) are women. But, it is not known for sure that IBS affects more women than men. It may be that women are more likely to talk to their doctors about their symptoms.
This answer is based on source information from The National Women's Health Information Center. -
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HealthyWomen answeredSome people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) say their symptoms appear to have started shortly after a bacterial infection, such as severe gastroenteritis. Doctors have recognized this as "post-infective IBS." There is evidence that, in at least some people, infection and inflammation may play key roles in the development of symptoms. Additionally, post-infective IBS appears to be more common in women and in people under high stress. Symptoms can linger for months to years after the infection and inflammation improve.
This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org. -
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Sigma Nursing answeredSee All 2 AnswersYou may find that eating dairy products and caffeinated foods leaves you with cramps and bloating. Avoid the sugars and sweeteners found in those products. Also, chocolate, milk and alcohol may lead to further constipation, while soft drinks, fruits and vegetables may cause bloating. -
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The specific cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children is unknown. However, symptoms can be made worse by stress and eating certain foods. The disorder also tends to run in families. Children with IBS have stomach aches and changes in bowel habits, like constipation and diarrhea. These symptoms vary from mild to debilitating.
IBS is a functional disorder, which means the symptoms are related to the way the intestine works. It is most likely due to differences in communication between the brain and gut, resulting in heightened sensitivity in the intestines.
IBS can be diagnosed in the doctor’s office through a complete medical history and physical exam. No laboratory testing is needed. -
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Patsy Catsos , Nutrition & Dietetics, answeredSee All 7 AnswersThe origins of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are not well understood by clinicians and scientists. Over the years, our view of IBS has changed and evolved and will probably continue to do so. At the present time, it seems likely that IBS arises from some combination of the following:- Abnormal contraction and relaxation of the intestinal muscles that move food through the gastrointestinal system, known as a motility disorder. Motility disorders may cause food to move through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract too slowly or quickly, and can sometimes cause intestinal muscle spasms to occur.
- Low pain threshold for distention in the intestines of affected individuals, known as visceral hypersensitivity. This means that a buildup of gas or fluids in the large intestine may hurt the IBS sufferer but not cause a painful sensation to someone who does not have IBS.
- Miscommunication between the gut and the brain, possibly relating to a nervous system dysfunction.
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Dr. William B. Salt, MD , Gastroenterology, answeredSee All 4 AnswersPatients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have a significant problem with abdominal bloating and flatulence when they increase the fiber content of the diet and do not seem to be able to adjust to the change. Because of an increased sensitivity to what is happening in the digestive tract, gas released by the breakdown and fermentation of the complex carbohydrates of fiber causes distention of the colon that is perceived as discomfort, bloating and pain. Furthermore, some people are more likely to produce gas than are others. If bran causes gas and flatulence, try concentrating on eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Fiber supplements can be tried, and some products may be better tolerated than others. -
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answeredSee All 3 AnswersAbout 20% of all Americans have IBS, a syndrome which appears to run in families. IBS usually starts before age 35, but can begin at any age. Nearly three-quarters of patients with IBS are women; more men may suffer from the condition, but it is not known.
While stress does not cause IBS, it may worsen the symptoms. Certain foods may also worsen symptoms, such as milk products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, sorbitol, cabbage, and broccoli. Conversely, eating foods with fiber may help symptoms, as may eating smaller meals. -
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Reston Hospital Center answeredIt's not entirely clear whether irritable bowel syndrome runs in families or not. Studies have indicated that your probability of having irritable bowel syndrome is higher if you have a first-degree relative who also has the disorder. It's unclear, however, whether these family connections have to do with shared environmental factors, genetic factors, or a combination of the two.