Irritable bowel syndrome, which also referred to as spastic colon, is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. Up to 20% of the people in the country suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. The exact symptoms and severity vary from one person to another. A flare-up of the symptoms may cause hours of pain and discomfort. Apart from the physical discomfort, irritable bowel syndrome also affects social life.
Causes of irritable bowel syndrome
There are no specific causes of irritable bowel syndrome, but a combination of factors. The factors that lead to irritable bowel syndrome are as shown below:
- Altered gastrointestinal tract motility
The muscle layers that line the intestines contract to facilitate movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. When these contractions are stronger and last longer, they can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. On the other hand, weak contractions result in slow movement of food, causing hard stools. - Abnormal nervous system signals
Malformation in the nerves of the digestive system can cause greater discomfort during abdominal stretching from gas or stools. Abnormal nervous communication between brain and intestine results in the body overreacting to changes caused due to the digestive process. This potentially results in conditions such as diarrhea, cramps, or constipation. - Increased sensitivity to pain
Hypersensitivity to pain from a full bowel or gastric problem may cause irritable bowel syndrome. - Food intolerance
Sensitivity to certain foods that may be due to malabsorption of sugars or acids may trigger irritable bowel syndrome. - Inflammation in the intestines
The immune-system cells in the intestines increases for people with irritable bowel syndrome. The response of the immune system causes pain and discomfort. - Severe infection
A severe bout of diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria may cause irritable bowel syndrome. - Psychological conditions
Anxiety and depression are observed in many people with irritable bowel syndrome. The direct link between these factors and irritable bowel syndrome has not been established yet. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms are aggravated when the person undergoes psychological stress or are under depression. - Changes in good gut bacteria
Microflora or the good gut bacteria that are present in the intestines may play a crucial role in health. Any alteration in the microflora may cause irritable bowel syndrome. - Triggers of irritable bowel syndrome
The three main factors that trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are: - Food
The role of food allergies or intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome is not fully understood. However, many people experience worsening symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome due to the consumption of certain foods and beverages. - Stress
A majority of people affected by irritable bowel syndrome experience worse or frequent symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome when their stress levels are elevated.
Risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome
The risk factors that contribute to developing irritable bowel syndrome are:
- Age
The incidence of irritable bowel syndrome is more in people under the age of 50. - Gender
Irritable bowel syndrome is more common among women in the country than men. Women who undergo estrogen therapy are at a higher risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. - Heredity
Genes or the environment or the combination of the two may cause irritable bowel syndrome. - Psychological issues
Anxiety, depression and other mental issues are associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
Complications with irritable bowel syndrome
Although, irritable bowel syndrome does not cause life-threatening conditions or permanent damage to organs it causes the following complications:
- Dehydration due to diarrhea
- Headaches, nausea, and vomiting due to impacted bowel movements
- Food Intolerance due to certain foods that trigger irritable bowel syndrome
- Malnourishment by avoiding trigger foods
- Hemorrhoids due to hard stools
