The cause for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not clear. It is thought that it may be linked to overactivity of part of the gut. The area of overactivity in the gut may determine whether constipation or diarrhoea develops. Again, the cause of overactivity in parts of the gut is not clear. One or more of the following may play a part.
Overactivity of the nerves or muscles of the gut. It is not known why this may occur. It may have something to do with overactivity of messages sent from the brain to the gut. Stress or emotional upset may play a role. About half of people with IBS can relate the start of symptoms to a stressful event in their life. Symptoms tend to become worse during times of stress or anxiety.
Intolerance to certain foods may play a part in some cases. However, this is thought to be only in a small number of cases.
How can IBS be managed?
Many people are reassured that their condition is IBS bowel syndrome, and not something more serious such as colitis. Simply understanding about this syndrome IBS may help people feel less anxious about the condition, which may ease the severity of symptoms. Symptoms often settle for long periods without any treatment. In some cases, symptoms are mild and do not require treatment.
Studies on this and treatment with prebiotics may show benefits in reducing abdominal pain and bloating, ease bowel movements and improve stool consistency in those diagnosed with IBS.
Tags: diarrhoea, IBS causes, prebiotics
