Some experts think that IBS is caused when there’s a glitch in that communication. “We all respond to stress physically, and some of us physically react with our gut, as with diarrhea or constipation, while others get headaches or back pain,” Dr. Scheman says. The problem is that the stress response in the gut can create a vicious cycle, in which the stress causes symptoms and vice versa, also known as a feedback loop. “Each time you go around it gets worse, like a downward spiral,” Scheman says.
An Imbalance of Microbes in the Gut
Risk Factors for IBS
There’s also evidence that people with IBS tend to suffer from mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. “There is a high overlap between the two,” says Jeffrey Baumgardner, MD, a gastroenterologist in Santa Rosa, California. “A significant number of people with IBS also have a history of some kind of abuse — emotional, physical, or sexual.” Dr. Baumgardner also thinks that IBS has something to do with how people process stress, though research hasn’t shown why yet.
Potential Triggers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Certain foods or food ingredients such as milk and dairy products, citrus fruits, cabbage, wheat, and carbonated beverages.Stress: While not a direct cause of symptoms, research suggests it may aggravate symptoms, causing them to be more severe and frequent.Hormones: Taking estrogen therapy before or after menopause increases your risk of IBS.
While it may take some trial and error to figure out what’s causing symptoms, your doctor can help you manage them. Learn More About Triggers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Your doctor will likely recommend the following strategies:
Dietary changesMedicationsPsychotherapy (talk therapy)Complementary and integrative medicine approaches like acupuncture and meditative techniques
Depending on your symptoms, any combination of these options may be part of your treatment strategy.
Medication Options
Viberzi (eluxadoline), which reduces muscle contractions and fluid in the intestine, and improves muscle tone in the rectum.Xifaxan (rifaximin), an antibiotic that can decrease bacterial overgrowth.
Amitiza (lubiprostone) and Linzess (linaclotide) work to increase fluid secretion in your small intestine to help you pass stool.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
RELATED: Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help With IBS?
Modifying Your Diet
For people with IBS, figuring out which foods tend to cause symptoms can be tricky. A food diary may help you identify foods you should avoid. A low-FODMAP diet involves eating fewer foods containing lactose (found in dairy); fruits such as apples, pears, and cherries; cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower; beans; and sugar-free gums and mints. Learn More About Treatment for IBS: Medication, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, and More
Prevention of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
RELATED: Finding the Best IBS Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid RELATED: Mindfulness Meditation Reduces IBS Symptoms and Anxiety, Study Finds Consider some of these suggestions:
Talk with your partner about your anxieties.Learn stress-management techniques to help you relax.Avoid trigger foods on the days when you plan to get intimate.Take medications to help relieve pain, gas, and diarrhea so you have one less thing to worry about.
IBD, usually categorized as either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, is linked to an abnormal reaction by the body’s immune system. The lining of the intestines becomes inflamed and ulcerated, which causes permanent damage to the digestive tract over time. These conditions often require medication and may even lead to hospitalization and surgery. The IFFGD, a nonprofit organization, works with patients, families, healthcare providers, and researchers to increase awareness and understanding of gastrointestinal issues and to improve digestive health. Their page Living with IBS delves into the challenges that people with IBS may face, from traveling to navigating holidays to being pregnant. IBS Patient Support Group This online community is great for IBS patients looking for support and connection. Community forums directly address a range of IBS issues, and you can also find resources on living with IBS, including patient diaries, and a podcast that includes conversations with patients, researchers, GI doctors, and dietitians. Mayo Clinic For clear, accurate health information, the Mayo Clinic is one of Everyday Health’s trusted go-to sources. Their comprehensive coverage of IBS goes beyond the basics, with tips on how to prepare for an appointment to discuss IBS with a gastroenterologist and what questions to ask. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) In addition to in-depth review of symptoms, treatment, and how to manage IBS, the NIDDK’s site also offers the latest on clinical trials potentially available to IBS patients. Additional reporting by Christina Vogt.
