Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, and other symptoms. It is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine and can cause discomfort but does not result in permanent damage to the intestines.
Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- IBS with Constipation (IBS-C):
- Predominant symptoms include constipation, infrequent bowel movements, and hard stools.
- IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D):
- Predominant symptoms include diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, and loose stools.
- Mixed IBS (IBS-M):
- Symptoms alternate between constipation and diarrhea, with no clear predominance of either.
- Unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U):
- Symptoms do not fit into the other subtypes or may vary over time.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, often relieved by a bowel movement
- Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or both
- Bloating and gas
- Mucus in the stool
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movements
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Symptoms may worsen or improve over time and may be triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute, including:
- Abnormal Gastrointestinal Motility:
- Changes in the way the muscles in the digestive tract contract and move food through the intestines.
- Visceral Hypersensitivity:
- Heightened sensitivity to pain and discomfort in the intestines.
- Intestinal Inflammation:
- Low-grade inflammation in the intestines may contribute to symptoms in some cases.
- Altered Gut Microbiota:
- Imbalances in the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms in the intestines, may play a role.
- Food Sensitivities:
- Certain foods or food components may trigger symptoms in some individuals, such as gluten, dairy, or high-FODMAP foods.
- Psychological Factors:
- Stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors can exacerbate symptoms in some people.
Summary
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bloating, and other symptoms. There are several subtypes of IBS, including IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), mixed IBS (IBS-M), and unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U). The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but factors such as abnormal gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, intestinal inflammation, altered gut microbiota, food sensitivities, and psychological factors may contribute. Management typically involves dietary and lifestyle modifications, stress management, medications to relieve symptoms, and in some cases, psychological therapy.