Causes and Symptoms
The precise cause of IBS is still uncertain to a large extent. However, there are speculations suggesting that disturbances to any components of the gastrointestinal system can alter its function, thereby causing the cluster of symptoms. It could be changes to gastrointestinal tract motility or nervous dysfunction. It’s possible that the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is intolerant to a particular food or group of foods. Certain other factors tend to increase the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, as discussed below:
- Sensitivity to certain foods, especially due to the problem of absorption of acids or sugars.
- When the intestines (small or large) move at an abnormal rate, whether faster or slower than usual.
- The presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances.
- Troubles with the stomach are likely to set off IBS symptoms, for example, gastroenteritis due to inflammation of the stomach.
The usual symptoms of IBS include cramping and abdominal pain. Other symptoms occur in degrees with respect to the form of IBS that occurs to an individual. Other symptoms include diarrhea (in IBS-D), constipation (in IBS-C), foamy stool, frequent gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea (with or without vomiting), indigestion, weight loss, and probably loss of appetite. People with IBS-C may experience symptoms tilting towards constipation symptoms, while IBS-D patients may complain of loose stools. [2]