What Are The Causes Of IBS?

Gut inflammation A person with IBS may have an abnormal balance of immune system cells along the GI tract. An increase in immune cells can produce inflammation and signals that lead to changes in gut function. This can cause IBS-related symptoms such as pain or diarrhea.1Changes to the gut microbiomeWhen the gut’s microbiome – the trillions of bacteria that help keep our guts healthy – is out of balance, it can lead to IBS symptoms.1,3Other factors that can throw the gut off balance and lead to IBS symptoms include:1-3Difficulty absorbing nutrients (malabsorption)Increases in hormone-producing or immune system cellsAntibiotics used to treat infectionsEnvironmental factorsExamples of environmental factors are:1-3DietSmokingGastrointestinal (GI) infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic)DietA food intolerance or sensitivity, as well as malabsorption issues, can trigger IBS-related symptoms. Food intolerances are different from food allergies.1-3It is unclear if these lead to IBS itself or if the condition shares symptoms with other disorders like celiac disease. But certain foods such as dairy, gluten, carbonated beverages, alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, and gassy foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower are some of the worst offenders.1,3SmokingSmoking can irritate the GI tract and trigger uncomfortable IBS symptoms. If you smoke, take steps to quit.4GI infectionsSevere GI infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or other germs – for example, traveler’s diarrhea – can cause inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome. Foreign bacteria in the gut may disrupt the normal environment of the intestine and lead to inflammation.1,3This is called post-infectious IBS. After having a severe GI infection, a person is 6 times more likely to develop IBS.1Psychosocial factorsThe brain and gut are closely connected. When the brain is experiencing distress, the gut can as well. Examples of psychosocial factors include:1-3Emotional or physical stressExperience with or history of abuseAnxiety or depressionEmotional or physical stressStress can trigger IBS symptoms. It can be helpful to learn healthy coping strategies, such as exercise and meditation, that can help alleviate stress in your life. While all stress will not go away, it can be reduced. Reducing stress can help lessen the severity of IBS symptoms.1-3Experience with or history of abuseSome studies show a connection between early life stress – such as abuse – and IBS. More research is needed to fully understand this possible correlation.1,3Anxiety or depressionAnxiety and depression are 2 mood disorders that are closely linked with IBS symptoms. People who have anxiety or depression are at a greater risk of having IBS. And IBS symptoms can make anxiety and depression worse.1-3If you live with anxiety, depression, or stress, talk to your doctor about getting the mental health support you need. Stress relief, counseling, and antidepressants are often part of the IBS treatment plan.5,6