Language
Country/Area
No result found
Irritable Bowel Uncovered: Why Is Your Stomach Always So Uneasy?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, which mainly manifests as abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits and many other symptoms. Many patients experience gastrointestinal discomfort that can last for years, causing a significant impact on quality of life and often accompanied by mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The root cause is still unknown, but experts point out that a variety of factors may cause IBS, including abnormal intestinal motility, imbalance of intestinal microorganisms, and stress.
The symptoms of IBS are usually abdominal pain alternating with frequent diarrhea or constipation.
Symptoms and diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
The main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include acute abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Patients often experience partial relief after having a bowel movement, but this may also be accompanied by a sense of urgency and an incomplete bowel movement. Based on an analysis of symptoms, doctors can make a diagnosis by ruling out other underlying conditions, such as age at onset over 50, weight loss or blood in the stool, among other warning signs.
Causes of irritable bowel syndrome
Although the specific cause of IBS is not yet known, factors such as psychological stress, intestinal infections, and intestinal immune system disorders are thought to be possible triggers of the symptoms. Studies have found that long-term psychological stress can activate the HPA axis, putting patients at a higher risk of IBS. In addition, post-acute gastroenteritis IBS cases account for approximately 10%, emphasizing the importance of infection in the pathogenesis.
Antibiotic use also appears to increase the risk of developing IBS.
Diet and Management
Management of IBS often involves dietary modifications, such as increasing soluble fiber or following a low-FODMAP diet. The low-FODMAP diet is of particular interest because it can significantly improve symptoms in the short term for many people with IBS. In addition, certain medications, such as Lomera and antidepressants, can also be helpful in reducing symptoms. Patients should seek professional medical consultation to develop a treatment plan that suits them.
A good doctor-patient relationship and patient education are important components of managing IBS.
Differences in incidence between the West and the East
According to statistics, about 10-15% of the population in developing countries is affected by irritable bowel syndrome. The disease is more common in women in Western countries and usually appears before the age of 45. However, in East Asia, women are not disproportionately affected by the disease. This shows that different geographical regions and cultural backgrounds present different epidemiological characteristics of IBS.
The connection between mental health and gut health
Many people with IBS also face mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Comprehensive research has found that about 94% of IBS patients will develop mental health problems, which often become another challenge in dealing with IBS. Therefore, mental health-focused interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, have been considered one of the important strategies for managing IBS.
Future research directions
Many experts have called for further research to determine the pathogenesis of IBS, effective treatments and preventive measures. These studies will help improve medical practitioners' understanding of the disease and facilitate early diagnosis and personalized treatment. With in-depth exploration of the intestinal microbiota and gut-brain connection, improving the efficacy of IBS patients may become a possible future direction.
Among the many possible influencing factors, which one is the root cause of IBS that you have never considered?
