Causes of Irritable bowel syndrome

List of causes of Irritable bowel syndrome

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Irritable bowel syndrome) that could possibly cause Irritable bowel syndrome includes:

• Emotional stress
• Bowel inflammation
• Lactose intolerance
• Fructose intolerance
• Inheritable disorders of connective tissue - Irritable bowel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia - irritable bowel syndrome
• Myofascial pain syndromes - Irritable bowel syndrome

More causes: see full list of causes for Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome Causes: Book Excerpts

• Differential Diagnosis - Irritability
• Causes and incidence - Irritable bowel syndrome
• Causes - Inactive colon
• Causes - Irritable bowel syndrome
• Principal Causes of Crying and Irritability - Crying and Irritability
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - pathophysiology - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome as a symptom:

Conditions listing Irritable bowel syndrome as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Irritable bowel syndrome. Our database lists the following as having Irritable bowel syndrome as a symptom of that condition:

• Anxiety-tension syndrome
• Deposition diseases related fibromyalgia
• Epstein Barr virus related fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia
• Food Additive Adverse reaction - amines
• Food Additive Adverse reaction - chocolate
• Food Additive Adverse reaction - food additives
• Food Additive Adverse reaction - MSG
• Food Additive Adverse reaction - salicylate
• Food Additive Adverse reaction - sulfite
• Food Additive Adverse reaction - sulphite
• Gluten allergy
• Inheritable disorders of connective tissue
• Major depressive disorder related fibromyalgia
• Myofascial pain syndromes
• Primary Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis related fibromyalgia
• Secondary Fibromyalgia
• SLE related fibromyalgia
• Sleep disturbance related fibromyalgia
• Tension myositis related fibromyalgia

What causes Irritable bowel syndrome?

Causes: Irritable bowel syndrome: The cause of IBS is not known, and as yet there is no cure. Doctors call it a functional disorder because there is no sign of disease when the colon is examined. (Source: excerpt from Irritable Bowel Syndrome: NIDDK)
Article excerpts about the causes of Irritable bowel syndrome:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: NIDDK (Excerpt)

The colon, which is about 6 feet long, connects the small intestine with the rectum and anus. The major function of the colon is to absorb water and salts from digestive products that enter from the small intestine. Two quarts of liquid matter enter the colon from the small intestine each day. This material may remain there for several days until most of the fluid and salts are absorbed into the body. The stool then passes through the colon by a pattern of movements to the left side of the colon, where it is stored until a bowel movement occurs.

Colon motility (contraction of intestinal muscles and movement of its contents) is controlled by nerves and hormones and by electrical activity in the colon muscle. The electrical activity serves as a "pacemaker" similar to the mechanism that controls heart function.

Movements of the colon propel the contents slowly back and forth but mainly toward the rectum. A few times each day strong muscle contractions move down the colon pushing fecal material ahead of them. Some of these strong contractions result in a bowel movement.

Because doctors have been unable to find an organic cause, IBS often has been thought to be caused by emotional conflict or stress. While stress may worsen IBS symptoms, research suggests that other factors also are important. Researchers have found that the colon muscle of a person with IBS begins to spasm after only mild stimulation. The person with IBS seems to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual, so it responds strongly to stimuli that would not bother most people.

Ordinary events such as eating and distention from gas or other material in the colon can cause the colon to overreact in the person with IBS. Certain medicines and foods may trigger spasms in some people. Sometimes the spasm delays the passage of stool, leading to constipation. Chocolate, milk products, or large amounts of alcohol are frequent offenders. Caffeine causes loose stools in many people, but it is more likely to affect those with IBS. Researchers also have found that women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can increase IBS symptoms. (Source: excerpt from Irritable Bowel Syndrome: NIDDK)

IBS: NIDDK (Excerpt)

IBS is not a disease. It's a functional disorder, which means that the bowel doesn't work as it should.

With IBS, the nerves and muscles in the bowel are extra-sensitive. For example, the muscles may contract too much when you eat. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Or the nerves can be overly sensitive to the stretching of the bowel (because of gas, for example). Cramping or pain can result. (Source: excerpt from IBS: NIDDK)

Facts and Fallacies About Digestive Diseases: NIDDK (Excerpt)

Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease. It is a functional disorder, which means that there is a problem in how the muscles in the intestines work. Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. Although the syndrome can cause considerable pain and discomfort, it does not damage the digestive tract as diseases do. Also, irritable bowel syndrome does not lead to more serious digestive diseases later. (Source: excerpt from Facts and Fallacies About Digestive Diseases: NIDDK)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: NWHIC (Excerpt)

The colon absorbs water and salts from digested food after it has traveled from the stomach through the small intestine. The muscles of the colon contract (tighten or squeeze) and gradually move the material toward the rectum. Strong contractions then lead to a bowel movement. Colon contractions are controlled by nerves, hormones, and by electrical activity in the muscles.

Researchers have found that, for unknown reasons, the colons of people with IBS are more sensitive than usual, and react to things that would not bother other people. For example, the muscles may contract too much after eating. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. The nerves can be overly sensitive to the stretching of the bowel (because of gas, for example), causing cramping or pain. Diet and stress play a role in IBS for many people, causing symptoms or making them worse. (Source: excerpt from Irritable Bowel Syndrome: NWHIC)

What triggers Irritable bowel syndrome?

The following conditions are listed as possible triggers for Irritable bowel syndrome:

• Milk products
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Carbonated drinks
• Fatty foods
• Large meal
• Menstruation
• Emotional stress
• Anxiety (type of Neurosis)
• Anger
• Frustration (see Irritability)
• Depression

Medical news summaries relating to Irritable bowel syndrome:

The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Irritable bowel syndrome:

• All about irritable bowel syndrome
• Fibroymalia is an underdiagnosed condition which is finally gaining recognition
• Food allergies often confused with food intolerance
• Irritable bowel link to allergies
• Irritable bowel syndrome treated by dietary changes
• More news »

Related information on causes of Irritable bowel syndrome:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Irritable bowel syndrome may be found in:

• Hidden causes of Irritable bowel syndrome

Causes of Irritable bowel syndrome: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritability: Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

• General/nutritional
  –Colic
  –Teething
  –Malnutrition/hunger
  –Atopic dermatitis
• Infectious
  –Otitis media
  –Meningitis, encephalitis
  –Stomatitis
  –Gastroenteritis
  –Osteomyelitis, diskitis, septic arthritis
• Trauma
  –Abuse/shaken-baby syndrome
  –Fracture
  –Hair tourniquet (e.g., on digit or penis)
  –Corneal abrasion or foreign body in eye
• Gastrointestinal
  –Constipation
  –Gastroesophageal reflux
  –Anal fissures
  –Milk protein allergy, celiac disease
• Surgical
  –Testicular torsion
  –Incarcerated hernia
  –Intussusception
• Metabolic
  –Electrolyte disturbances
  –Hypoglycemia
• Medications/drugs
  –Narcotic withdrawal, fetal alcohol syndrome
  –Medications (e.g., URI preparations)
  –Lead or mercury poisoning
• Hematologic
  –Leukemia
  –Iron deficiency anemia
  –Sickle cell with vaso-occlusive crisis
• Cardiac/respiratory
  –Myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmias
  –Congestive heart failure
  –Respiratory failure, hypoxia
  –Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Neurological
  –Increased intracranial pressure
  –Subdural hematoma
  –Migraines
• Other
  –Psychosocial
  –Urinary retention
  –Glaucoma

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Irritable bowel syndrome: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

This functional disorder is generally associated with psychological stress; however, it may result from physical factors, such as diverticular disease, ingestion of irritants (coffee, raw fruits or vegetables), lactose intolerance, laxative abuse, food poisoning, or colon cancer. Some patients may experience a disturbance in the movement of the intestine or a lower tolerance for stretching and movement of the intestine.

IBS affects 10% to 20% of U.S. residents and has a yearly incidence rate of 1% to 2%. The condition occurs most commonly in women ages 20 to 30.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Inactive colon: Causes
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Inactive colon usually results from some deficiency in the three elements necessary for normal bowel activity: dietary bulk, fluid intake, and exercise. It’s common in bedridden people because of their inactivity and is generally relieved with diet and exercise. Other possible causes can include habitual disregard of the impulse to defecate, emotional conflicts, chronic use of laxatives, or prolonged dependence on enemas, which dull rectal sensitivity to the presence of feces.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Irritable bowel syndrome: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

The cause and pathogenesis of this functional disorder remain poorly understood. Generally associated with psychological stress, the disorder may result from physical factors, such as diverticular disease, ingestion of irritants (coffee or raw fruits or vegetables), lactose intolerance, abuse of laxatives, food poisoning, or colon cancer. Contributing factors include abnormal gut motor and sensory activity, central neural dysfunction, and luminal factors.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Crying and Irritability: Principal Causes of Crying and Irritability
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)

1. Wellchild
   1. Physicaldisturbance
   2. Psychologic disturbance
   3. Colic
2. Ill child
   1. Infection
      1. Viral illness
      2. Acute otitis media
      3. Herpes gingivostomatitis
      4. Herpangina
      5. Gastroenteritis
      6. Urinary tract infection
      7. Meningitis
      8. Encephalitis
      9. Septicemia
   2. Trauma
      1. Fractures (skull, extremity, clavicle)
      2. Subdural hematoma
   3. Skin disorders
      1. Burn
      2. Hair tourniquet syndrome (hair wrappedaround a finger or toe)
   4. Gastrointestinal disorders
      1. Constipation
      2. Incarcerated inguinal hernia
      3. Intussusception
      4. Appendicitis
      5. Intestinal obstruction
      6. Gastroesophageal reflux/esophagitis
   5. Cardiovascular disorders
      1. Supraventriculartachycardia
   6. Central nervous system disorders
      1. Increasedintracranial pressure including pseudotumor cerebri
   7. Genitourinary disorders
      1. Testiculartorsion
   8. Eye disorders
      1. Corneal abrasion
      2. Foreign body
      3. Glaucoma
   9. Skeletal disorders
      1. Osteomyelitis
      2. Infantile cortical hyperostosis (Caffeydisease)
   10. Drug reaction
       1. DTaP immunization
       2. Neonatal narcotic and alcohol withdrawal
       3. Maternal drugs in breast milk (sympathomimetics)
       4. Other (sympathomimetics, antihistamines,atropinics, cocaine)
   11. Idiopathic

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome - pathophysiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)

• Most commonly, IBS is thought to be a disorder of GI function relating to motility, sensation, and/or perception.
• The pathogenesis of IBS is believed to be multifactorial, with a variety of factors influencing the gut–brain axis at various levels.
• These factors interact to cause the symptoms of IBS and include:
  • Predisposing factors (social, cultural, environmental) include genetics, early life experiences, gender, intergenerational illness behavior
  • Precipitating factors (physiologic) may be associated with IBS but not directly a cause: Stress, infection/inflammation, bacterial flora, intestinal motility
  • Perpetuating factors (behavioral) further amplify the GI dysfunction in patients with IBS and include depression, anxiety, panic disorder, somatization, poor social support, and maladaptive behavior.
• There are no actual histologic, microbiologic, or biochemical abnormalities noted in patients with IBS.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008

 » Next page: Symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome

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