IBS doesn't have one specific cause — but rather a combination of factors working together. Understanding causes correctly helps in treatment.
Contributing Factors:
- Brain-gut axis: Communication disorder between brain and digestive system — intestines overreact to nerve signals.
- Visceral hypersensitivity: Intestinal wall is more sensitive to stretching and movement — pain from normal gas amounts.
- Motility disorder: Intestinal muscles contract irregularly — either too fast (diarrhea) or too slow (constipation).
- Stress and anxiety: The strongest trigger — psychological pressure noticeably increases symptoms.
- Post-infectious IBS: Starts after a food poisoning episode or bacterial infection.
- Gut dysbiosis: Changes in gut bacteria composition.
Is It Hereditary?
Partially — studies show IBS is more common in families, but it's not directly hereditary. Shared environment and dietary habits also play a role.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we identify individual triggers for each patient and design a customized treatment plan.