Having Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be hard and make you feel lonely and isolated because, unless someone has IBS or gut issue themselves, they can never truly understand how you are feeling or what you are going through.
But you are not alone! IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine and affects 15% of the population worldwide. IBS is classified as a disorder of the gut-brain axis, which means that your gut and your brain are not communicating like they should be (it’s not all in your head!).
It can affect people of all ages, but it typically develops in early adulthood, with most people being diagnosed before the age of 45. Due to the complex and multifactorial nature of IBS, the exact cause of IBS is not fully understood. However, risk factors for IBS include:
1. Genetics. IBS tends to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to its development as relatives of someone with IBS are two to three times more likely to have IBS.
2. Gender. Women are more likely than men to develop IBS, with 2 in 3 suffers being women.
3. Age. IBS is more commonly diagnosed in people under the age of 50.
4. Stress. Stress and other emotional factors can contribute to the development and severity of IBS symptoms.
5. Food Intolerances. Some people with IBS may have difficulty digesting certain types of foods, such as carbohydrates called FODMAPs, or gut irritants like fat, caffeine or alcohol. These may trigger or worsen symptoms in some people with IBS by causing bloating, gas and altered bowel habits.
6. Gastrointestinal Infections. Some people develop IBS after experiencing a gastrointestinal infection, such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning.
7. Other Medical Conditions. IBS is more common in people with other gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
8. Dysbiosis. This is an imbalance of the gut bacteria located throughout your gastrointestinal system, which may contribute to the development of IBS.
It's important to note that not everyone who has these risk factors will develop IBS, and some people may develop IBS without having any of these risk factors. Additionally, the symptoms of IBS can vary widely from person to person, and may range from mild to severe.
If you are experiencing chronic or recurring abdominal pain or discomfort, changes in bowel habits, or other gastrointestinal symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms so that you can receive appropriate treatment.
Treatment often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, medication, and psychological interventions that are tailored to your specific symptoms, needs and individual circumstances.
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