What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Causes of IBS-Symptoms, Treatment and Diet

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a condition that is characterized by a severe gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals who suffer from IBS suffer from cramps, bloating and abdominal pain. The causes of IBS could be many but most common is severe abdominal discomfort. More often it causes severe contraction of bowel muscles. Constipation, Diarrhea and Abdominal pain are the common symptoms. IBS is also referred to by other names like the following:

• Irritable Bowel
• Irritable Colon
• Spastic Colon
• Nervous stomach( Usually happens during stress, tension and anxiety). Castor Oil is an excellent laxative and cleanses the system.

What are Symptoms of IBS?

The various symptoms of IBS include

• Abdominal Pain in the lower abdomen
• Excessive Gas
• Abnormal Bowel movements
• Diarrhea and Constipation

Causes of IBS-Additional Symptoms

Some of the additional symptoms include the following:

• Excessive intestinal contractions
• Lower pain endurance
• Higher gut bacteria

All these contribute to the symptoms.

IBS Symptoms during periods

According to Ordsall and Claremont Salford Primary Care Network , the symptoms increase during periods.

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What are the symptoms of IBS? Abdominal pain is a key symptom of IBS when it is associated with changes in bowel habits, such as, periods of diarrhea and/or constipation. 10-15% of the population worldwide suffer from #IBS.#IBSAwarenessMonth #LifeWithIBShttps://t.co/W020rJXvSE pic.twitter.com/NOrh6vQmEj

— Salford South East Primary Care Network (@SalfordPCN) April 23, 2022

Factors of IBS

Although there is a debate on what causes the IBS, here are some factors that could lead to the disorder.

• Foods
• Medication
• Emotional stress

Men vs Women. Who is at risk for developing IBS?

According to an article titled “Do your Hormones affect IBS?”, IBS varies according to the gender. Women are twice more prone to have IBS. The two hormones Estrogen and Progesterone could be the probable reasons. Both the hormones fluctuate during the periods. Consequently the symptoms trigger during the periods. Besides, IBS can happen due to multiple factors:

• Family History of IBS
• Anxiety or Stress
• Food Intolerance
• Severe Gastric Disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and its Awareness

The IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) has designated April as the awareness month for IBS in 1997. It is listed on the U.S. National Health Observances calendar

Also read: Ulcerative Colitis. What to eat and Why?