About IBS
The causes of IBS are not entirely understood.
Historically, researchers believed a combination of physical and psychological health problems could lead to IBS.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is generally a long-term or recurrent disorder of gastrointestinal functioning. Usually starting during adolescence or early adulthood but sometimes later in life, IBS causes abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation, and stool formation changes.
Approximately 10 to 15 percent of Americans suffer from IBS. Females are affected more often than males.
While the causes of IBS have largely been unknown, recent studies have pointed to unique food allergies that trigger IBS.
Symptoms of IBS
IBS symptoms include recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including at least two of the following:
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Bowel movements that occur more or less often than usual
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Stool that appears looser and more watery or harder and more lumpy than usual
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Increasing or improving abdominal pain with a bowel movement
To be diagnosed with IBS, symptoms must occur at least once a week for the past three months with a total duration of symptoms of at least six months.
Other IBS symptoms may include:
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Diarrhea — loose, watery stools three or more times a day and feeling urgency to have a bowel movement
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Constipation — hard, dry stools; three or fewer bowel movements in a week; or straining to have a bowel movement
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Feeling that a bowel movement is incomplete
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Passing mucus, a clear liquid that coats and protects tissues in the gastrointestinal tract
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Abdominal bloating
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The need to find a restroom fast
IBS-80 food allergy patch testing may help if you meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS or have some of the symptoms listed.
Possible Causes
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Food Allergies – Food allergy is a potential cause for IBS, but efforts to accurately identify specific food allergies have been unsuccessful until the recent advances we have made. Studies published in peer-reviewed dermatology journals (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3) show that specific food allergies can be identified in some individuals with IBS or IBS-like symptoms by simple, painless skin patch testing.
Brain-Gut Signal Problems – Signals between the brain and nerves of the small and large intestines (the gut) control how the intestines work. Problems with brain-gut signals may cause IBS symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits and pain or discomfort.
Gastrointestinal Motor Problems – Normal motility, or movement, may not be present in the bowel of a person who has IBS. Slow motility can lead to constipation, and fast motility can lead to diarrhea. Spasms, or sudden and involuntary muscle contractions that come and go, can cause abdominal pain. Some people with IBS also experience hyperreactivity, an excessive increase in bowel contractions in response to stress or eating.
Hypersensitivity – IBS patients may have a lower pain threshold to a stretched bowel caused by gas or stool than those who do not have IBS. The brain may process pain signals from the bowel differently in people with IBS.
Mental Health Problems – Mental health or psychological problems such as panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common in people with IBS. The link between these disorders and the development of IBS is unclear.
Bacterial Gastroenteritis – Some people who have bacterial gastroenteritis—an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria—develop IBS. Researchers do not know why gastroenteritis leads to IBS in some people and not others, though the gastrointestinal tract lining may be a factor.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – Normally, few bacteria live in the small intestine. SIBO is an increase in bacteria or a change in the type of bacteria in the small intestine. These bacteria can produce excess gas or cause diarrhea and weight loss. Researchers believe that SIBO may lead to IBS, and some studies have shown antibiotics to be effective in treating IBS. However, more research is needed to prove a link between SIBO and IBS.
Hormonal Effects – Younger women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods. Post-menopausal women have fewer symptoms compared with women who are still menstruating. These findings suggest that reproductive hormones can worsen IBS symptoms.
Genetics – It is unclear whether IBS has a genetic cause, meaning it runs in families. However, the reason could be an environmental or heightened awareness of gastrointestinal symptoms. Studies have shown that IBS is more common in families with a history of gastrointestinal problems.