Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disease, affecting millions worldwide. For those living with IBS, debilitating symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life. Yet despite its prevalence, the underlying causes of IBS remain complex and often misunderstood. In this article, we'll examine the latest insights into the factors contributing to IBS, from gut-brain interactions to dietary triggers and microbiome imbalances. We'll also explore some solutions for those seeking relief from this perplexing disorder. 

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a chronic functional disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system). It is mainly characterized by a collection of symptoms as a result from abnormal bowel habits. 

An outcome study from The University of Hong Kong indicated that “The global prevalence of IBS is 13.5%, [and the] estimated point prevalence of IBS among adults in Hong Kong is about 7%” as of 2022 (1). While the prevalence of IBS in Hong Kong is relatively lower than the global average, IBS is nonetheless a common and growing tendency in Asian society that needs to be talked about.

Types of IBS

1. IBS with Constipation (IBS-C): This type of IBS is characterized by chronic or recurring constipation as the predominant symptom.
2. IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D): This type of IBS is characterized by chronic or recurring diarrhea as the predominant symptom.
3. Mixed IBS (IBS-M): This type of IBS involves a fluctuation between constipation and diarrhea, with both conditions occurring alternately.
4. Unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U): This category is used when a person's IBS symptoms do not fit neatly into the above three subtypes, and their bowel habits do not consistently align with a specific pattern.

Symptoms

The symptoms might differ depending on the diagnosed type of IBS. Though, the primary symptoms of IBS in general includes:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort (4)
• Diarrhea and/or constipation (4)
• Bloating and Gassiness (4)
• Mucus in stool (4)
• Constant feeling of incomplete defecation (4)

While its symptoms may be similar to colon cancer, IBS is not life threatening, and does not damage the gastrointestinal tract that may lead to more serious conditions. However, it could severely undermine our quality of life and change how we live. Research from the Univeristy of Missouri found that the prevalence of anxiety and depression were about double that found in those without IBS. In addition to the physical pains, IBS can bring major inconveniences that make patients less able to take part in daily activities (2). For instance, the Mayo Clinic has found that “people with IBS miss three times as many days from work as do those without bowel symptoms.”(3) 

Causes

The underlying causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are still not fully understood, as research on this condition continues. However, experts have identified several factors associated with IBS, including:

• Gut microbiome diversity and composition imbalances (4)
• Poor gut-brain interaction leading to Dysmotility (problems with how muscles contract in the gut) (4)
• Genetics (family history of IBS) (5)
• Psychiatric problems (stress, anxiety, depression etc.) (4)
• Diet and/or food intolerance (4)

What can you do?

The following ‘treatments’ can help reduce and alleviate IBS symptoms:

• Take probiotics to increase the abundance and diversity of your gut microbiome (6)

• Dietary changes to increase fiber intake and reduce foods that can cause gas or are hard to digest (6)
• Medication to suppress abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation (6)
• Lifestyle changes to reduce stress (6)

Want to explore more about the root causes of your gut health issues? Try our Gut Microbiome test today at: https://gutolution.com/products/gutolution%E2%84%A2-gut-health-test

References:

1. An Outcome Study for Hypnotherapy and Irritable Bowel Syndrome First Three-armed randomized control trial in Asian population - Press Releases - Media - HKU. (2022). Www.hku.hk. https://www.hku.hk/press/press-releases/detail/24661.html
2. ‌Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients Suffer High Rates of Anxiety and Depression. (2023, February 22). Missouri.edu. https://medicine.missouri.edu/news/irritable-bowel-syndrome-patients-suffer-high-rates-anxiety-and-depression
3. ‌Irritable bowel syndrome - Symptoms and causes. (2023). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
4. Clinic, C. (2023). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong. (2024). Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong. https://gleneagles.hk/medical-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-1
6. McMillen, M. (2004, July 8). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). WebMD; WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/ibs/digestive-diseases-irritable-bowel-syndrome