How Does Someone Get IBS? Who Is at Risk?
6/1/2023
The GI affliction IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can impact your daily life in many ways. Causing irritation in the large intestine, stomach, and other areas of the GI tract, IBS often creates discomfort and distressing symptoms.
At GI Alliance of Arkansas, we understand the discomforting symptoms this condition might have on your overall health, comfort, and standard of living. Our GI specialists routinely treat irritable bowel syndrome in Northwest Arkansas adults and want to work with you to reduce its effects. Read below to learn what’s the cause of this GI condition and figure out of you may be at a greater risk of getting IBS.
How can irritable bowel syndrome develop?
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not known. Doctors believe it’s the result of an interruption between the brain (which is actually in charge of gut function) and the gastro system, leading many professionals to dub it “the brain-gut disorder.” This interference might lead to movement issues inside your gastrointestinal tract, causing the muscles to move food through your intestines either too quickly or too slowly. Irritable bowel syndrome is also referred to as “spastic colon” because of the spasms in the colon that may go with irritable bowel syndrome.
A number of components could be IBS triggers, including:
- Changes in your microbial makeup of the intestines
- Intestinal infections (bacterial or viral gastroenteritis)
- A diet high in spicy or fatty foods
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Fluctuations in hormones
Knowing IBS triggers and your chances of suffering the condition can help you better manage your body’s response if you ever get irritable bowel syndrome.
What are the dangers of IBS?
IBS is an intricate GI problem. Therefore, a variety of components that could result in irritable bowel syndrome’s first appearance or reoccurrence. A few factors that might create a risk of irritable bowel syndrome comprise:
- Age of the individual: Patients of nearly every age group may experience the condition; however, it typically starts during the teenage years or early adulthood.
- Mental health: Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, may increase your chances of developing the condition.
- Family history: There are people who might be genealogically susceptible to getting IBS.
- Being a woman: Irritable bowel syndrome is double as common in women than in men.
- Lifestyle: Poor diet, not exercising, use of tobacco or alcohol, and obesity can all heighten your chances of IBS.
If you believe you are at risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome or have other digestive health concerns, we hope you will schedule an appointment at a GI Alliance of Arkansas location in your area.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
Irritable bowel difficulties may change from one person to the next. Commonly, IBS symptoms in women will differ from IBS symptoms in men and usually even range in intensity. The majority of patients experiencing the condition have mild symptoms. The well-known symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome involve:
- Constipation
- Gas
- Stomach discomfort
- Bloating
- Mucus in the stool
- Nauseousness
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
If you find yourself with any one of these signs or detect a change in your bathroom habits, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Our GI providers in Northwest Arkansas can review your symptoms to see if irritable bowel syndrome is the reason.
How can irritable bowel syndrome be treated?
While preventing IBS may not be possible, action can be taken to minimize the effects. Treating irritable bowel syndrome often involves managing symptoms over time to take control of the condition. Alleviating associated issues and caring for irritable bowel syndrome might include lifestyle changes, such as getting on a high-fiber diet, drinking a lot of water, having a weekly exercise routine, and knowing the IBS triggers. Medications are known also to help alleviate symptoms, such as anti-nausea, anti-diarrheal, antidepressant, and anticholinergic medications. Laxatives and fiber supplements could be used to help address commonly associated issues that might activate the condition.
Receive IBS treatment in Northwest Arkansas
In addition to causing uncomfortable symptoms, IBS makes many people feel mentally defeated. It is possible to experience relief from this often-chronic illness. Our team at GI Alliance of Arkansas can provide the necessary care for irritable bowel syndrome and is here to help guide you to an enhanced quality of life. To learn more about the condition, irritable bowel syndrome self-care, and to locate a GI doctor who can provide treatment for this condition in Northwest Arkansas, contact our team to request a consultation.