Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a group of symptoms that typically occur together, including abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or both. IBS is a functional disorder, meaning that it is related to a problem in how the intestines function rather than a structural or biochemical abnormality.

Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Often relieved by having a bowel movement.
• Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two.
• Bloating and Gas: A feeling of fullness and swelling in the abdomen.
• Mucus in the Stool: Presence of mucus in the bowel movements.
• Urgency: A strong, sudden urge to have a bowel movement.
• Incomplete Evacuation: Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels after a movement.

Causes

• Abnormal Gut Motility: Abnormal contractions of the intestinal muscles can cause food to move too quickly or too slowly through the digestive tract.
• Gut-Brain Interaction: The gut has its own nervous system, and communication between the brain and gut can be disrupted, leading to IBS symptoms.
• Sensitivity to Pain: People with IBS may have a heightened sensitivity to pain within the digestive tract.
• Infection or Inflammation: A history of gastrointestinal infections or inflammation can increase the risk of developing IBS.
• Microbiome Imbalance: An imbalance in the gut bacteria may contribute to IBS.
• Stress: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms.