IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) - CAUSES

WHAT CAUSES IBS?

IBS is a "functional disease" and the actual cause of IBS is unknown, however, whatever the cause, it can be put down to the gastrointestinal tract functioning differently in people with IBS.

There are 2 main theories:

1.  Abnormal Intestinal Movement

The smooth muscles of the intestines normally undergo alternating contraction and relaxation (peristalsis) to push food down the tract. In diarrhoea due to IBS, the food passes through the intestinal tract too quickly, whilst in the constipation-predominant type of IBS, food passes through too slowly. The pain may coincide with these abnormal contractions.


2.  Visceral Hypersensitivity

People with IBS appear to be more “aware” and “sensitive” to normal peristaltic movements of the gut. Whilst most people do not perceive normal gut movements, people with IBS may perceive these movements as pain.

Possible triggers of IBS may include:

• stress

• a bout of gastroenteritis (known as post-infective IBS)

• food intolerance (rather than food allergies)

• alcohol

• caffeine

• smoking

• certain types of medication

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