What causes IBS?
Nobody knows what causes IBS but, we do know that something is definitely happening, most likely at the level of chemicals (“mediators”) such
as cytokines and "neuro" chemicals (e.g. serotonin) that cells use to communicate with each other and that control how “leaky” are the gaps between cells in the lining of the bowel wall.
These changes have been picked up in scientific experiments but they are too subtle to convert into everyday tests. Interestingly, there might be a genetic part to why we get IBS, but we are very far away from a good understanding of this.
At the extreme end of things, one family in Scandinavia, liable to get lots of diarrhoea, has been found to have a mutated gene that codes for the gut's secretion (releasing fluid) control mechanism (Guanylate cyclase receptors). More commonly, there seems to be a link between having certain genes (HLA DQ2 and DQ8) and being "intolerant" of gluten (found in wheat and some other grains). The importance of all of this that it points the way for further research and the development of new treatments.
The trigger for the start of bowel problems can be anything. One well known cause for one person out of every five people with IBS, is a bout
of upset tummy on a trip abroad or an attack of food poisoning (that BBQ!) which can result in “post-infectious” -IBS, presumably by sensitizing the bowel in some way. A condition that can bring literally years of misery, if not treated properly.
The big empty space of knowledge that lies between what we know can trigger IBS and what we know can make it better has allowed lots of theories to grow. Some probably hold a grain of truth but many are rubbish (sorry, but it's true!).
It doesn’t matter whether theories are good, bad or mad except that some theories can cause us to spend a lot of money on odd therapies
and potions, all of which are a wild goose-chase. Mainstream medicine doesn’t have all the answers by any means, but it is willing to say so.
Some complementary medicine (e.g. acupuncture) can help, but do step back and exercise caution about other treatments that you might come across. More about this later on.
Whatever about the "cause" of IBS, we know a lot more about what can trigger symptoms. Many of the triggers are fairly common
among people with IBS e.g. eating too much fibre, whereas other triggers can be quite unique and individual. We look at all of this in greater detail later on.
as cytokines and "neuro" chemicals (e.g. serotonin) that cells use to communicate with each other and that control how “leaky” are the gaps between cells in the lining of the bowel wall.
These changes have been picked up in scientific experiments but they are too subtle to convert into everyday tests. Interestingly, there might be a genetic part to why we get IBS, but we are very far away from a good understanding of this.
At the extreme end of things, one family in Scandinavia, liable to get lots of diarrhoea, has been found to have a mutated gene that codes for the gut's secretion (releasing fluid) control mechanism (Guanylate cyclase receptors). More commonly, there seems to be a link between having certain genes (HLA DQ2 and DQ8) and being "intolerant" of gluten (found in wheat and some other grains). The importance of all of this that it points the way for further research and the development of new treatments.
The trigger for the start of bowel problems can be anything. One well known cause for one person out of every five people with IBS, is a bout
of upset tummy on a trip abroad or an attack of food poisoning (that BBQ!) which can result in “post-infectious” -IBS, presumably by sensitizing the bowel in some way. A condition that can bring literally years of misery, if not treated properly.
The big empty space of knowledge that lies between what we know can trigger IBS and what we know can make it better has allowed lots of theories to grow. Some probably hold a grain of truth but many are rubbish (sorry, but it's true!).
It doesn’t matter whether theories are good, bad or mad except that some theories can cause us to spend a lot of money on odd therapies
and potions, all of which are a wild goose-chase. Mainstream medicine doesn’t have all the answers by any means, but it is willing to say so.
Some complementary medicine (e.g. acupuncture) can help, but do step back and exercise caution about other treatments that you might come across. More about this later on.
Whatever about the "cause" of IBS, we know a lot more about what can trigger symptoms. Many of the triggers are fairly common
among people with IBS e.g. eating too much fibre, whereas other triggers can be quite unique and individual. We look at all of this in greater detail later on.