Symptoms and Causes of IBS
Understand the symptoms and underlying causes of IBS and how they can be addressed.
CONTACT USIntroduction to IBS Symptoms
IBS is a digestive health condition that can involve a range of symptoms. These include bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel function. Commonly, a diagnosis of IBS will only be given once other conditions have been ruled out. For example, coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease.
It can be common for symptoms to persist, even though all tests have come back clear. However, with IBS there may not be a single cause for this gut condition and a range of factors may contribute to the onset and ongoing nature.
Taking the risk factors and possible triggers into consideration helps to target a personalised approach, to get to the root cause of your IBS symptoms.
Common IBS Symptoms
Specific symptoms are required for an IBS diagnosis.
These are outlined in the ROME IV criteria.
Recognising IBS Symptoms
Recurrent abdominal pain on average at least 1 day/week in the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following criteria:
- Related to defecation
- Associated with a change in the frequency of stool
- Associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool
The Complexity of IBS Causes
The causes of IBS can vary among individuals with common explanations including:
SIBO
A bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is a common cause of IBS symptoms.
Low-grade inflammation
Commonly resulting from gastroenteritis, travellers’ diarrhoea and food poisoning.
Dysbiosis
Imbalances and dysregulation in the gut mircobiome.
Food Sensitivities
Immune reactions to common foods can lead to IBS symptoms.
Gut-brain interactions
Stressful life events and anxiety can contribute to the digestive symptoms of IBS.
Can IBS be cured?
Following an IBS diagnosis, this can be a common question. The aim of our approach is to identify and address the underlying cause of IBS symptoms.
This underlying cause can vary between patients and this is the reason why there isn’t a single approach for everyone with IBS.
What is the main cause of IBS?
The underlying cause can vary between patients, however, there are common causes among those with IBS. This can be related to both the causes of IBS as well as triggers for flare-ups.
These include food poisoning, gastroenteritis, stressful life events and medications, for example antibiotics.
Speak to us about your gut health today
Potential Triggers of IBS
Ongoing triggers of IBS flare-ups can include:
Exploring the Causes of IBS
A diagnosis of IBS may only indicate that certain symptoms are present.
However, it does not explain why these symptoms are present. To resolve symptoms of IBS, we work towards addressing the underlying causes and removing IBS triggers.
The assessment and diagnosis of gut symptoms can be an important aspect.
Your Next Step
Get help for your IBS
Book a free 15-minute consultation where we’ll review your symptoms and answer any questions.
Read more about IBS diagnosis
Understand the process of gut health tests and the process of IBS diagnosis.
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
IBS symptoms that may indicate a serious condition
There are specific digestive and gut health symptoms that can be described as red flags. While these symptoms can be present with IBS flare-ups, they may require further investigations from a doctor.
These symptoms include rectal bleeding, abdominal masses, unexplained weight loss and sudden changes in bowel habits and patterns.
How does IBS make you feel?
IBS symptoms can be uncomfortable and painful and lead to fear around food. It’s also common for there to be additional symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and skin issues.
Many patients also report low mood and anxiety with their IBS symptoms and IBS flare-ups. This can be related to the reduction in quality of life but also due to gut-brain interactions having an impact on mood.
When to consult a healthcare provider
On average, it’s common for IBS symptoms to be present for months before seeking help. However, for the best outcomes seeing a healthcare provider as early as possible can help address the cause of IBS symptoms.
When should I be worried about IBS?
IBS may not increase the risk of developing bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, but it does have a significant impact on quality of life. Seeking help and support for IBS to address the cause of the symptoms can help to reduce worry and concern about the ongoing impact of having IBS.
