Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Symptoms and Causes

Overview

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common condition affecting the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal tract).
• Symptoms: Cramping, belly pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between diarrhea and constipation.
• Management: Ongoing condition that requires long-term management. Severe symptoms are rare and can often be managed by diet, lifestyle changes, stress management, medication, and counseling.
• Risk: IBS doesn't cause bowel tissue changes or increase colorectal cancer risk.

Symptoms

• Common Symptoms:
  • Belly pain, cramping, or bloating associated with stool passing.
  • Changes in stool appearance and frequency.
  • Feeling of incomplete stool evacuation.
  • Increased gas or mucus in stool.
• Functional Disorder:
  • Normal digestive tract appearance but dysfunctional bowel movements.
  • Muscle spasms in intestines affecting food movement can cause constipation or diarrhea.
  • Oversensitive nerve endings leading to pain and bloating from gas.

When to See a Doctor

• Significant changes in bowel habits or persistent IBS symptoms may indicate serious conditions like colon cancer.
• Serious Symptoms:
  • Weight loss
  • Nighttime diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Unexplained vomiting
  • Pain unrelieved by gas or stool passage

Causes

• Muscle Contractions: Strong and prolonged contractions cause gas, bloating, diarrhea. Weak contractions lead to slow food passage and hard stools.
• Nervous System: Poor nerve signals between brain and intestines causing pain and irregular bowel movements.
• Infections: IBS can follow bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, or bacterial overgrowth.
• Early-life Stress: Childhood stress linked to more IBS symptoms.
• Gut Microbes: Altered intestinal bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Triggers

• Food: Certain foods like wheat, dairy, citrus, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks may worsen symptoms, though true food allergies are rare.
• Stress: Increased stress exacerbates symptoms, though not a direct cause.

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in people under 50.
• Gender: More prevalent in women; estrogen therapy can be a risk.
• Family History: Genetic or environmental factors in families.
• Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, or history of abuse.

Complications

• Hemorrhoids: Due to prolonged constipation or diarrhea.
• Quality of Life: IBS can severely affect life quality, leading to increased work absences.
• Mood Disorders: IBS symptoms can lead to or worsen depression and anxiety.

Additional Resources

• Appointments and Care: Available at Mayo Clinic.
• Research and Education: Ongoing studies on IBS.
• Products: Mayo Clinic offers resources and books on digestive health.

Reference: Mayo Clinic Staff, "Irritable bowel syndrome - Symptoms and causes."