What Are the Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Are You at Risk?
6/1/2023
The gastrointestinal condition known as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can largely affect your life in many ways. Stirring up discomfort in your large intestine, stomach, and other areas of your digestive tract, irritable bowel syndrome often creates painful and (at times) embarrassing symptoms.
At Digestive Health Associates of Texas, we understand the discomforting symptoms this condition may have on your overall health, contentment, and welfare. Our gastrointestinal doctors often see IBS in Dallas, TX patients and want to work closely with you to reduce its effects. Read below to learn what might be at the root of IBS and figure out if you may be at risk.
How can IBS develop in me?
The precise cause of IBS is unclear. Doctors believe it’s the result of an interference between the brain (which controls gut function) and the gastro system, leading many GI doctors to nickname it “the brain-gut disorder.” This obstruction could cause functional complications throughout the digestive tract, causing the muscles to move food through your digestive system too slowly or quickly. IBS is also known as “spastic colon” as a result of the colon spasms that may occur as a result of the condition.
A number of elements may trigger IBS, such as:
- Changes in your microbial makeup of your intestines
- Alcohol use
- Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis (intestinal infection)
- Life stresses
- Fluctuations in hormones
- Caffeinated beverages (such as coffee and soda)
- Foods that are spicy or fatty
Understanding IBS triggers and your likelihood of suffering this condition may help you better manage your body’s response should you find out you have IBS.
What are the risk factors of IBS?
IBS is a complex gastrointestinal affliction. Multiple factors may cause you to get IBS or relapse. The most common factors that might create a risk in one’s risk of this condition comprise:
- Familial history: There are people who could be biologically more susceptible of getting irritable bowel syndrome.
- Lifestyle: A bad diet, not exercising, use of tobacco or alcohol, and obesity can elevate the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome.
- Those who are female: Irritable bowel syndrome is about twice as prevalent in women than men.
- Mental health: Anxiety and depression can increase the chances of developing this condition.
- Age group: Individuals of nearly all ages might get irritable bowel syndrome; however, it most commonly begins during the teenage years or early adulthood. It is less frequent to begin in adults 50 years old or more.
If you are worried you could be at risk of developing IBS or have other GI issues, we hope you will request a consultation at a Digestive Health Associates of Texas location by you.
What are the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?
IBS difficulties can differ for everyone. Traditionally, IBS symptoms in women are different than IBS symptoms in men and will even fluctuate in severity. A great deal of people with IBS will have minor effects. The common symptoms of IBS are:
- Nauseousness
- Constipation
- Gas
- Cramping in the abdomen
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Mucus in the stool
In the event you find yourself with any one of these signs or recognize a shift in your bathroom tendencies, it’s vital to visit a GI specialist. Our GI doctors in Dallas, TX can assess your concerns and symptoms to verify if irritable bowel syndrome is to blame.
How can irritable bowel syndrome be treated?
Even though preventing irritable bowel syndrome isn’t always possible, action can be taken in order to help reduce its consequences. Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome often involves the long-term care of symptoms to take control of the condition. Reducing your symptoms and caring for irritable bowel syndrome might involve changes in everyday life, which could include eating more food high in fiber, making sure you drink enough water, creating a weekly exercise routine, and understanding and avoiding known IBS triggers. Select medications can also help alleviate the symptoms, such as anti-nausea, anti-diarrheal, antidepressant, and anticholinergic medicines. Fiber supplements and laxatives are often prescribed to help treat underlying issues that can bring about the condition.
Receive IBS treatment in Dallas, TX
In addition to causing uncomfortable symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome makes many people feel mentally defeated and defeated. Rest assured that it is possible to experience relief from this often-chronic illness. Our team at Digestive Health Associates of Texas delivers the necessary care for irritable bowel syndrome and is here to help navigate you or your loved one to better health. To find out more about IBS, irritable bowel syndrome self-care, and to access a GI doctor who treats IBS in Dallas, TX, reach out to a location near you to request an appointment.