How Does IBS Develop? Are You at Risk?
6/1/2023
The GI affliction known as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can affect your day in many ways. Causing symptoms in your large intestine, stomach, and additional areas of your digestive system, IBS often causes painful and, at times, distressing symptoms.
At Gastroenterology Associates of Florida, we understand the discomforting symptoms irritable bowel syndrome can have on your daily health, contentment, and quality of life. Our GI specialists regularly treat irritable bowel syndrome in Palm Beach County, FL individuals and will help you to ease its symptoms. Read on to learn what might be the leading cause of IBS and figure out of you are at risk.
How does irritable bowel syndrome develop in a person?
The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unclear. Doctors believe it’s the result of a disruption between the brain (which is in charge of gut function) and the GI system, causing many professionals to call it “the brain-gut disorder.” This disturbance could lead to passage complications throughout the digestive tract, causing the muscles to move food through the system either too fast or too slowly. IBS is also known as “spastic colon” due to the colon spasms that often come along with this condition.
Many things may trigger IBS, like:
- A diet high in fatty and spicy foods
- Changes in the microbial makeup of your intestines
- Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis (intestinal infection)
- Drinking caffeinated beverages
- Hormone fluctuations
- Alcohol consumption
- Stress
Being aware of IBS triggers and your chances of suffering irritable bowel syndrome may help you better manage your body’s reaction if you ever find out you have irritable bowel syndrome.
What are IBS risk factors?
IBS is a complex gastrointestinal problem. Multiple factors may work together to result in IBS’s first appearance or relapse. Some factors that could magnify one’s risk of irritable bowel syndrome include:
- Familial history: Some individuals could be genetically predisposed to getting IBS.
- Being female: IBS is nearly twice as common among women than men.
- Lifestyle: A bad diet, not exercising, use of tobacco and/or alcohol, and being overweight can elevate your chances of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Age of the individual: Individuals of nearly every age group may get irritable bowel syndrome; however, it most commonly begins during the teenage years or early adulthood and less frequently in those 50 or older.
- Mental health: Anxiety and depression may increase your risk of the condition.
If you worry you might be at risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome or any other digestive issues, we encourage you to request a consultation at a Gastroenterology Associates of Florida location in your area.
What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome markers may vary from person to person. Actually, IBS symptoms in women are generally different than IBS symptoms in men and even differ in aggressiveness. Most people experiencing the condition have moderate effects. Some of the standard symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are:
- Nauseousness
- Cramping
- Sticky stool
- Loose and watery stool
- Stomach discomfort
- Bloating
- Gassiness
- Constipation
If you have any of these signs or symptoms or detect a difference in your bowel habits, we urge you to visit a physician. Our GI team near Palm Beach County, FL can analyze your symptoms to verify if IBS is to blame.
How can IBS be treated?
Though avoiding irritable bowel syndrome may not be possible, steps can be taken to help reduce its effects. Treatment for IBS often involves managing symptoms to control the condition. Taking care of associated issues and living with irritable bowel syndrome may include lifestyle changes, including getting on a high-fiber diet, increasing your daily water intake, exercising regularly, and avoiding common IBS triggers. Certain medications can also help alleviate symptoms, like anti-nausea, anti-diarrheal, antidepressant, and anticholinergic medicines. Laxatives and fiber supplements are often suggested to treat associated issues that are known to spark the disorder.
Find IBS treatment in Palm Beach County, FL
More than causing discomforting symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome makes many people feel mentally defeated and without hope. Rest assured that it is possible to attain relief from this condition. Our team at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida delivers the necessary care for this condition and is here to help guide you to an enhanced quality of life. To find out more about your risks, irritable bowel syndrome self-care, and to access a GI doctor who can treat irritable bowel syndrome in Palm Beach County, get in touch with a location in your community to request an appointment.