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Symptoms -

IBS symptoms vary, but the most common include cramping and bloating, as well as changes in appearance and the frequency of bowel movements.

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When to see a doctor -

It's best to see a medical professional if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or other IBS symptoms.

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Causes -

It's still unknown what exactly causes IBS. However, there are some factors that appear to play a role.

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Muscle contractions in the intestine -

The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract as they move food through your digestive tract. IBS can present stronger and longer-lasting contractions, which can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Weak contractions are also a possibility, which can slow food passage and lead to hard, dry stools.

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Nervous system -

Issues with the nerves in the digestive system can cause your body to overreact to changes that typically occur in the digestive process. This can result in pain, diarrhea, or constipation.

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Severe infection -

IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus, which is called gastroenteritis. IBS might also be associated with a bacterial overgrowth in the intestines.

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Early life stress -

People exposed to stressful or traumatic events, especially in childhood, tend to have more symptoms of IBS.

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Changes in gut microbes -

These changes could be in the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that typically reside in the intestines and play an important role in your health. Research has shown that the microbes in people with IBS might differ from those in people without the condition.

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Triggers -

People with IBS will notice that symptoms can be triggered by a couple of things.

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Food -

Many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks.

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Stress -

Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress. However, stress doesn't cause the symptoms—it only makes them worse.

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You can't prevent IBS -

Since there's no known cause for IBS, you can’t prevent or avoid it. But you can keep symptoms from flaring up by avoiding triggers.

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Does IBS develop serious gastrointestinal problems? -

IBS doesn’t put you at higher risk of developing conditions such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, or colon cancer. It's also not a life-threatening condition.

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Risk factors -

Many people have occasional symptoms of IBS. But some people are more likely to have it than others.

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If you're female -

IBS is more common among women. Estrogen therapy before or after menopause is also a risk factor for the condition.

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There's a family history of IBS -

While lifestyle factors are more likely to contribute to the condition, studies have shown that a heritable component of IBS does exist.

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If you're young -

IBS occurs more frequently in people under age 50.

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Mental health issues -

Anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues might also be a risk factor for IBS.

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Complications -

IBS can also present in a number of complications, including chronic constipation or diarrhea, which can cause hemorrhoids.

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Poor quality of life -

In addition, many people with moderate to severe IBS report poor quality of life. Research has shown that people with IBS miss three times as many days from work due to symptoms.

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Mood disorders -

Experiencing IBS symptoms can lead to depression or anxiety. Depression and anxiety can also make IBS worse.

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Will it get better? -

IBS is a long-term condition, which may be present for your whole life. But this doesn't mean you'll necessarily experience symptoms every day. It can simply just come and go in flares.

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Coping with IBS -

Whether you suffer from mild or severe IBS, there are a number of ways to cope with it.

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Diet alterations -

Foods are a commonly reported trigger of uncomfortable IBS symptoms. Record the foods you eat, so you can figure out which ones trigger your IBS. It's also a good idea to see a nutritionist.

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Increase physical activity -

Increasing physical activity levels may provide some relief from IBS. Exercise helps stimulate contractions of the intestines and reduce stress, which may reduce some symptoms.

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Reduce stress -

Practicing mindfulness and relaxing can help people with IBS be aware of sensations in their bodies, without becoming stressed about them. This can can help with both mental and physical well-being.

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Try IBS medications -

If changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress levels don't alleviate a person’s symptoms, a doctor may suggest fiber supplements, laxatives, or other types of medications.

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Therapy -

If an individual is still having trouble with IBS symptoms after exploring all the previous methods, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. CBT therapy for IBS involves understanding how stress and fear are related to the symptoms. One also learns how to identify and modify physical stress responses to reduce symptoms.

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Alternative therapies -

Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and therapeutic massages, have also shown to be helpful in managing some symptoms of IBS.

See also: What is bloating and how can we prevent it?

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