Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, or also written as IBS, is a broad health condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Many colon surgeons categorize this as a movement of the bowel associated with uneasiness, bloating, and abdominal pain. Individuals of all ages may suffer from IBS, but teens seem to be affected more than any other age group. As a general disorder with very noticeable symptoms, rather than just normal causes of IBS, there are some causes that are overlooked and many people don’t know about them. Therefore, it is very important that you learn as much as you can so you are able to get a handle on your disorder.

Neurological Causes

The main cause of IBS is not completely known. However, many health experts feel that faulty signaling communications between the intestinal tract and brain cause the symptoms of IBS. A combination of factors which may include the immune system, hormones, motor problems, psychological stress, and body chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, may be the reasons for communication issues between the bowel and the brain. The miscommunication causes abnormal spasms or contractions of the muscles, which generally cause cramping and pain. These spasms might either speed up the passage of the stool, which may cause diarrhea, or slow it down, which may cause bloating or constipation.

Mental Health Causes

Psychological or mental health issues like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder can be common in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. The link between the development of IBS and these disorders is still unknown. Gastrointestinal disorders which include IBS are generally found in those that have reported past psychological issues. Generally, these people will begin to show symptoms when they reach their teen years. Research shows that people who have encountered psychological stress tend to express their stress through physical symptoms. This means that because of their stress, it might lead to them developing irritable bowel syndrome.

Bacterial Causes

Evidence is starting to show that irritable bowel syndrome develops in some people who experience acute bacterial infection in the digestive system. Studies have shown that about 25% of individuals with such an infection will likely continue to experience these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms as long as six months after their illness. What’s more disturbing is the fact that nearly 1 out of 10 people that have a severe gastrointestinal infection that may end up in IBS. It is found that these bacterial infections may originate from food, water, the environment, bacteria in your home, etc.

Be Proactive and Seek the Help of a Medical Professional

If you have irritable bowel syndrome, it is important that you talk with your doctor. When you are informed about your condition, you will be better able to take care of it. If you are having trouble coping or managing your IBS, see your Los Angeles colorectal doctor to get your bowels back under control and your quality of life back to normal. When you seek the help of a professional, you can ensure that they will be able to take care of you and recommend what is best for your overall health.