Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes

Despite being one of the most common digestive disorders to afflict the population of the Western world, medical research has yet to establish a specific cause for irritable bowel syndrome.
However, much progress has been made in recent years to banish, once and for all, the notion that it is an "imaginary" illness that affects only the emotionally vulnerable. Biological causes of irritable bowel syndrome have been identified and it can be triggered by a number of factors.

Bowel Sensitivity

Research has established that patients suffer from a higher than normal level of bowel sensitivity. This sensitivity can trigger a reaction that, in turn, causes symptoms such as abdominal pain and muscle spasms.

Emotions and IBS

An important distinction must be made: Although stress does not cause IBS, it can trigger a flare-up of symptoms.
In people who suffer from a combination of stress and IBS, symptoms become particularly exacerbated following a heavy meal. This is explained by the fact that eating causes the colon to contract. Under normal circumstances, this triggers an urge to open the bowel within approximately thirty to sixty minutes. In sufferers, however, this urge is heightened and may lead to abdominal cramps and bowel evacuation within a much shorter interval.
Note, however, that stress and emotional trauma can also temporarily impact bowel function in people who do not suffer from IBS.

Bacteria: Causes of IBS?

Research documented in an article in the American Journal of Gastroenterology (December 2001), entitled "Eradication of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Reduces Symptoms of IBS," has identified a possible link between bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and symptoms similar to those of IBS. In a study of 157 patients who were treated with antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth, 78 percent subsequently witnessed a reduction in their symptoms.

Hormones

The jury is still out as to whether hormones influence IBS, particularly in the case of women who have noticed changes in symptoms at specific phases of their menstrual cycle. For example, premenstrual bloating appears to be considerably more pronounced in women with IBS. Further research is required to determine whether a link exists between estrogen, testosterone and adrenaline and irritable bowel syndrome.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hypersomnia: An Overview

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleeping too much, experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or a combination of the two. Hypersomnia is not the same as feeling tired due to poor quality sleep or not getting enough sleep. Often, people with hypersomnia fall asleep suddenly throughout the day, a symptom the condition shares with narcolepsy. Symptoms of Hypersomnia Symptoms of hypersomnia often develop in adolescence or early adulthood. People with hypersomnia may sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, but still wake up feeling tired. Individuals may struggle to wake up after deep sleep and seem disoriented and confused. Hypersomnia often develops gradually, making it difficult for people to realize they are sleeping too much. Signs associated with hypersomnia include: Anxiety Headaches Irritation Loss of appetite Low energy levels Memory problems "Nap attacks" during the day Restlessness Sleeping too much Slow speech Slow thought proce...
Keep reading

Irritable Bowel Disease Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a very common disorder that affects the functioning of the bowel. Although the severity of the condition (also occasionally called  spastic colon ) can vary considerably from one patient to another, typical characteristics include changes in bowel habits ranging from diarrhea to constipation, cramp-like pains, bloating and a feeling of "gassiness." For some sufferers, IBS is little more than a minor inconvenience; for others it can be totally disabling. In extreme cases, the patient is unable to travel, function in the workplace or enjoy socializing. Common Misconceptions Irritable bowel syndrome is not . . . an imaginary disease.  IBS has biological causes and biological symptoms and is certainly not a condition that is "all in your mind. " caused by other diseases  such as gallstones or ulcers. an infection , although it can sometimes be triggered by a bout of gastroenteritis or similar digestive system disorders. hereditary . a precursor to c...
Keep reading

Gastrointestinal Defects

Birth defects, also known as "congenital abnormalities," are structural defects in some part or system of the body that can affect the body's function. These congenital defects occur during fetal development, and are present in a baby from birth. Like other complex body systems, the gastrointestinal system (or digestive system), responsible for digestion and extracting nutrients from food, is vulnerable to congenital defects during its development. Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Function The gastrointestinal system is made up of several organs, including the: Mouth Esophagus Stomach Small intestine: Duodenum, jejunum and ileum Large intestine: Cecum, colon, rectum and anus. In healthy people, food enters the mouth, and is chewed and swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food, then passes it into the intestines, where it is digested further, and particles from the food can be absorbed. Waste is stored in the r...
Keep reading