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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes
What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
When you have IBS, there are often physical and mental causes, including:
- Bacterial gastroenteritis: IBS can occur following an episode inflammation caused by harmful bacteria (gastroenteritis)
- Brain-gut signal problems: Signals between your brain and nerves control how your intestines work. When these signals misfire, it causes changes in your bowel habits, as well as pain and discomfort.
- Food sensitivity: Many people with IBS experience symptoms after eating foods rich in carbohydrates, spicy or fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol. This is not the same as having a food allergy.
- Genetics: Whether IBS has a genetic cause, meaning it runs in families, is unclear. Studies show IBS is more common in families with a history of gastrointestinal problems. However, the cause could also be environmental or the result of heightened awareness of gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Mental health problems: Panic disorders, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common in people with IBS. IBS can also happen in people who have experienced certain forms of abuse.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: When you experience an increase in number or change in the type of bacteria in your small intestine, these bacteria can produce extra gas and cause diarrhea.
- Visceral hypersensitivity: When you have IBS, you may feel discomfort or pain with little stimulation. In other words, the nerves in your digestive tract may be more sensitive due to infection, inflammation, injury, or stress.