Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping,bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
Women and people younger than age 50 are more likely to develop IBS.
Svitlana Hulko / Getty Images
Svitlana Hulko / Getty Images
What Are the Symptoms of IBS?
However, this higher prevalence of IBS in women may vary according to geographic region.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder related to how your brain and gut work together.
This bidirectional signaling pathway is called the gut-brain axis.
The muscle contractions in your gut may also be affected, which can lead to constipation or diarrhea.
Experts arent sure exactlywhat causes IBS.
They think a combination of risk factors may be to blame.
Below are factors that may increase your risk of developing IBS:
What Triggers IBS?
IBS triggersare different for each person with IBS.
Not everyone will react to each item on this list.
However, there are some common triggers that seem to bring on symptoms in many people with IBS.
Your healthcare provider might also order some tests to help rule out other potential causes for your symptoms.
These tests may include:
Treatment for IBS
Treatment for IBSwill vary based on your individual symptoms.
You may have to try different treatments to see what works best for you.
Your healthcare provider can help guide you in choosing the best treatment plan for you.
Below are medication, dietary supplement, and mental health treatment options for IBS.
Chronic diarrhea may increase the risk of dehydration.
Long-term dietary restrictions may lead to nutritional deficiencies or othernutritional concerns.
Working with a registered dietitian who specializes in IBS can help ensure you are meeting all your nutritional needs.
Is There a Cure for IBS?
Currently, there is no cure for IBS.
IBS is a chronic (long-term) condition thatcan affect people for their whole lives.
Each persons journey with IBS is different.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of irritable bowel syndrome.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS in women.
Kim YS, Kim N.Sex-gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome.J Neurogastroenterol Motil.
2015;313(9):949-958. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.0954.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Overview of symptoms.
Henstrom M, D’Amato M.Genetics of irritable bowel syndrome.Mol Cell Pediatr.
2016;3(1):7. doi:10.1186/s40348-016-0038-6
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.IBS diet.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Psychological factors and IBS.
Philpott HL, Nandurkar S, Lubel J, Gibson PR.Drug-induced gastrointestinal disorders.Frontline Gastroenterol.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
DailyMed.Label: Lotronex- alosetron hydrochloride tablet.
Crohns & Colitis Foundation.IBS vs. IBD.
2017;10(9):727-736. doi:10.1177/1756283X17718677
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.What is IBS?
2017;39(6):741-745. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_46_17
