It's not entirely clear what the main cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is. However, some factors are known to trigger or contribute to its development.
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. It can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. While the exact cause remains elusive, certain triggers have been identified.
Potential Causes and Triggers of IBS
The reasons why IBS develops aren't fully understood. However, some established triggers include:
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Infections:
- Bacterial infections: IBS can occur after a bacterial infection of the intestines. According to research, in some cases, IBS can develop post-infection.
- Parasitic infections: Infections such as giardiasis can also trigger IBS. This type of IBS is referred to as post-infectious IBS.
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Stress: Stress is a significant trigger for many people with IBS.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Bacterial Infection | IBS can develop after a bacterial infection in the intestines. |
| Parasitic Infection | Infections like giardiasis are known to trigger IBS (post-infectious IBS). |
| Stress | Stress is a well-known trigger that can exacerbate or initiate IBS symptoms. |
Post-Infectious IBS Explained
Post-infectious IBS is when IBS symptoms start after you've had an infection in your digestive system. This is one of the more well-defined causes of IBS.
Conclusion
While pinpointing one main cause of IBS is difficult due to its complex nature, bacterial or parasitic infections of the intestines are known triggers in some cases (post-infectious IBS), and stress is also a known trigger.
