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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition of the large intestine that causes uncomfortable symptoms. Most cases of IBS are minor and unlike gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s Disease or Colitis, don’t lead to any serious conditions such as colorectal cancer. A very small number of people with IBS have severe symptoms.
Symptoms of IBS include:
These symptoms need to occur over a long period of time in order to be diagnosed with IBS. It’s also important to know that these symptoms can occur without having IBS or can be caused by other GI conditions.
There’s no central root to why IBS occurs. However, the physical cause of IBS is when the muscle lining in your intestines that’s used to rhythmically contract and relax to push food through them is not working properly. This means that the contractions may last longer/shorter or tighter/weaker than they should be, leading to many uncomfortable symptoms.
The following stimuli may cause IBS in some people, although it varies from person to person:
Make sure you know which foods cause your IBS symptoms. You should keep track of when symptoms occur and make a list.
GI infections such as gastroenteritis can cause IBS as well as other GI diseases.
Stress, depression and anxiety can all cause IBS.
Improper levels of reproductive hormones, neurotransmitters and estrogen can lead to IBS.
Anyone can develop IBS, but certain factors seem to make people more likely to develop it, such as:
IBS occurs more in younger people, usually between teenage years until their 40’s.
Women are twice as likely to develop IBS than men.
Since IBS can be psychological, people emotionally unstable are more likely to develop it.
Just like with any ailment, a family history of IBS can mean you’re more likely to have it as well.
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Most cases of IBS can be helped with the following treatments:
Changing diets – Eliminating gluten, high gas foods (soda, certain vegetables) as well as cutting out some carbohydrates like fructose and lactose (FODMAPs). This is also why it’s important to keep track of what foods cause IBS for you.
Medication – Some medications can calm IBS symptoms such as:
Dr. Jonathan Erlich is a highly trained gastroenterologist with extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with IBS. Call (773) 631-2728 to request an appointment or fill in the form below.
7447 W Talcott,
Suite 209
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 631-2728
(872) 328-4880
Or click on the link below to fill out the form.
Monday to Friday between 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. (CET)
