Irritable bowel syndrome is a widespread disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The diagnosis usually proves to be lengthy. Find out here what the possible causes are.
Table of Contents
What is an irritable bowel?
Sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea , constipation, nausea or flatulence can indicate irritable bowel syndrome . Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the gut-brain axis , which can lead to changes in the stool or to flatulence. Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are a feeling of fullness, incomplete emptying of the bowel or mucus in the stool. Since such gastrointestinal complaints are non-specific and can also occur with other diseases, the diagnosis proves to be lengthy. Life with an irritable bowel is stressful for those affected – especially the fact that no organic causes can be found despite symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common ailment. According to the Barmer doctor’s report , around one million people in Germany have irritable bowel syndrome. However, the number of unreported cases is much higher, since many people do not dare to go to the doctor out of shame. It is estimated that around eleven million people may be affected.
Common causes of irritable bowel syndrome
In fact, there are various triggers that are responsible for irritable bowel syndrome. These include:
Disturbed intestinal peristalsis
This is a disruption to the natural movement of the intestines. The result: the food pulp can no longer be optimally transported. The nervous system of irritable bowel patients sends incorrect commands, causing the muscles to move incorrectly, too quickly or too slowly. Accordingly, the chyme can be transported too quickly, which is manifested by diarrhea. Conversely, if the food is transported too slowly, constipation can occur.
Increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa
The intestinal mucosa is an effective barrier so that foreign substances do not escape uncontrolled from the intestine and reach other parts of the body. In irritable bowel patients, the intestinal mucosa is permeable. For this reason, pathogens can penetrate the intestines more easily and trigger the typical gastrointestinal symptoms mentioned.
Disturbed intestinal flora
Around 400 different types of intestinal bacteria live in our intestinal flora , which support digestion, produce and absorb vitamins and help to break down pollutants. However, our intestinal flora is very sensitive. Taking medication or a gastrointestinal infection can therefore quickly throw them out of their natural balance, so that pathogenic germs can spread more quickly and diarrhea, abdominal pain or flatulence can occur more easily.
Stress
Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety or nervousness can trigger and even worsen irritable bowel syndrome. People who are depressed, have anxiety disorders, or chronic pain are more prone to developing irritable bowel syndrome.
treat irritable bowel syndrome
Appropriate therapy depends on the cause of the irritable bowel syndrome. A drug treatment, home remedies, a change in diet, the development of an intestinal flora or methods for reducing stress promise to alleviate the symptoms. Discuss with your doctor which measures seem sensible for you.
