Researchers have yet to find a specific cause for irritable bowel syndrome or
IBS. It is known as a functional disorder, which means that the way the bowel
words is affected. However, there are yet to be found any physical abnormalities
that can explain the symptoms.
One theory that has been proposed is that people who have IBS have a large
intestine, or colon, that is quite sensitive and reactive to both stress and
certain foods. It is thought that the immune system may also be involved.
Symptoms of
IBS seem to be caused by contractions of the muscle in the bowel wall some
researchers think. These contractions are thought to be stronger and more
frequent in people that have IBS. The contractions seem to worsen after eating
certain foods and in stressful situations. If a person is intolerant to certain
foods such as dairy products, tea and coffee, it may trigger symptoms.
IBS may often develop after a bout of gastroenteritis which is an
inflammation not only of the stomach but also of the bowel linings. This often
causes diarrhea and sickness. An infection with a bacteria or virus may be the
culprit here as well as food poisoning.
These are some other causes of IBS which you may want to think about:
Normal movement, or motility, may be absent in the colon of someone who has
IBS. The motility can be spasmodic, also called a spastic colon or it can even temporarily stop working. Spasms are
strong and sudden muscle contractions that may come and go periodically.
The lining of the colon which is also known as the epithelium is affected by
both the immune and nervous systems. It regulates the flow of fluids both in and
out of the large intestine or colon. In a person who has IBS, the epithelium
seems to work properly.
However, when the contents inside of the large intestine move too quickly,
the colon is not able to absorb the fluids. This results in watery stools. In
other people, the movement inside of the colon is much too slow.
- This causes any extra fluid to be absorbed, and thus the person suffers from
constipation.
- With a person who is suffering from IBS, their colon may respond very
strongly to certain foods or to stress that would normally not bother other
people.
- Recent research has found that serotonin and normal gastrointestinal
functioning are linked together. Serotonin is a chemical, or neurotransmitter,
that delivers messages from one body part to another. Approximately 95% of the
serotonin in a person’s body is found in the GI tract, and the other 5% is
located in the brain. Cells which line the inside of the intestines work as
transporters and work at carrying the serotonin out of the gastrointestinal
tract. People who suffer with IBS do not have as much receptor activity as
normal people, and this causes a build-up of serotonin in the GI tract. As a
result, people with IBS suffer from problems with bowel movement, sensation and
motility since they have more sensitive pain receptors located in their GI
tract.
- Researchers also have reported that IBS may be linked to a bacterial
infection in the GI tract. Studies have been documented that people who have had
a bout of gastroenteritis may sometimes develop IBS.
These are the main causes of irritable bowel syndrome.
If you think that you may be suffering from this disease, it would be wise to
consult your physician.
Article written by Jessica Bradbury, she has a site dedicated to bottom line information on IBS, including spastic colon treatments and the cure for irritable bowel syndrome.
