Causes and Triggers

 

I told you that I would be talking about the causes of IBS this week. If your like me you probably want to know exactly what is causing these symptoms and how to fix it. Unfortunately the causes of IBS are not clear. Researches believe that a combination of physical and mental health problems lead to IBS.

Here are some of the possible causes of IBS:

• Brain-gut signal problems- There are signals between the brain and the nerves of the small and large intestines (the gut) that control how the intestines work. Problems with this signal may be causing the IBS symptoms.
•  GI motor problems-Normal motility, or movement may not be present in the colon of a person with IBS. Some people may be experiencing hyperreactivity-an excessive increase in contractions of the bowel in response to stress or eating. 
• Mental health problems-People with IBS will often have mental health, or psychological problems such as panic disorder anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. The link between these disorders and the development of IBS is unclear.
• Body chemicals-People with IBS have altered levels of neurotransmitters-chemicals in the body that transmit nerve signals and GI hormones. Younger women will often have more symptoms of IBS during their menstrual periods and post-menopausal women have fewer symptoms. These findings suggest that reproductive hormones can worsen IBS problems. 
• Genetics-Whether IBS runs in families is unclear. Studies have shown that IBS is more common in people with family members who have a history of GI problems. However, this could also be related to environmental factors or an awareness of GI symptoms. 

Triggers-the triggers that affect a person with IBS is different for one person to the next.  The triggers for IBS range from gas or pressure in the intestines to certain foods, medications or emotions. 

• Foods-people find that their signs and symptoms worsen when they eat certain foods. For example, chocolate, milk, alcohol, carbonated beverages, some fruits and vegetables, food with caffeine, or sugar-free gum or candies. 
• Stress-Many people find that their signs and symptoms are worse or more frequent during stressful events, such as change in your daily routine. (Stress may aggravate symptoms, but it does not necessarily cause them.)
• Hormones-as mentioned above researches believe that hormonal changes play a role in IBS.

Yep! I know what your thinking! "How do I fix the problem without changing my life!" Over the next few weeks I will be discussing some of the ways IBS can be treated.

For more information see http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/