What Causes IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)? Am I at Risk?
6/1/2023
The digestive condition called irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, can have a significant effect on your day in many ways. Leading to symptoms in your large intestine, stomach, and surrounding areas of your digestive system, irritable bowel syndrome often leads to discomfort and, at times, awkward symptoms.
At GastroGroup and Endocenter, we understand the discomforting symptoms IBS may have on your health, comfort, and standard of living. Our gastrointestinal specialists regularly treat IBS in Louisiana patients and want to work closely with you to reduce its effects. Keep reading to learn what’s at the root of this GI condition and if you may be at risk of IBS.
How might irritable bowel syndrome arise?
The actual cause of IBS is unknown at this time. It’s thought to result from a disruption between the brain (in charge of gut function) and the gastro system, causing many GI doctors to dub it “the brain-gut disorder.” This interference might produce passage issues in the digestive tract, causing the muscles to move food through their digestive system either too fast or too slowly. Irritable bowel syndrome is also called “spastic colon” because of the colon spasms that commonly accompany this condition.
Several components may be IBS triggers, like:
- Fluctuations in the hormones
- Alcohol use
- Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and soda
- Fatty or spicy foods
- Changes in the microbial makeup of the intestines
- Stress
- Intestinal infections (bacterial or viral gastroenteritis)
Knowing IBS triggers and your chances of getting the condition could help you better manage your body’s reception if you get irritable bowel syndrome.
What are irritable bowel syndrome risk factors?
IBS is a complex GI concern. Therefore, multiple elements could marry to result in the condition’s beginning or relapse. Some factors that could magnify the risk of IBS are:
- Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol and/or tobacco use, and obesity may increase your chances of IBS.
- Being female: Irritable bowel syndrome is about twice as prevalent in women than in men.
- Age: People of about all ages might experience IBS, but it often is seen to begin during the teenage years or early adulthood. It is not as frequent in adults 50 years old or more.
- Familial history: Some patients might be biologically susceptible to getting irritable bowel syndrome.
- Mental health: Anxiety and depression may increase the chances of developing this condition.
If you worry you might be at risk of developing IBS or other GI concerns, we ask you to request an appointment at a GastroGroup and Endocenter location near you.
What are the most common symptoms of IBS?
IBS markers can fluctuate in people. Actually, IBS symptoms in women generally differ from IBS symptoms in men and often range in intensity. A great deal of patients who have irritable bowel syndrome will have minor effects. Some of the more known symptoms of IBS are:
- Gas
- Mucus in the stool
- Stomach discomfort
- Nauseousness
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Difficulty going to the bathroom
- Loose or watery stool
If you have any of these signs or symptoms or find a difference in your bowel tendencies, it’s vital to visit a physician. Our team in Louisiana can review your symptoms to verify if IBS is the reason.
How can irritable bowel syndrome be treated?
Though avoiding irritable bowel syndrome won’t always be possible, action can be taken to lessen its consequences. Handling IBS often involves managing related symptoms. Alleviating symptoms and managing IBS may require lifestyle changes, such as starting a high-fiber diet, making sure you get a lot of water, exercising daily, and understanding the IBS triggers. Some medicines can also help alleviate the symptoms, including anti-nausea, anticholinergic, anti-diarrheal, and antidepressant medications. Fiber supplements and laxatives could help address underlying issues that often contribute to the condition.
Get irritable bowel syndrome treatment in Louisiana
In addition to causing uncomfortable symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome makes many people feel mentally drained and defeated. But it is possible to attain relief from this chronic illness. The doctors at GastroGroup and Endocenter can provide specialized care for irritable bowel syndrome and will help you enhance your quality of life. For more information about IBS, irritable bowel syndrome self-care, and to locate a GI doctor who treats irritable bowel syndrome in Louisiana, reach out to a location near you to request a consultation.