What causes IBS?

To those living with debilitating gut issues, it can be hard to hear that in this day and age exactly what causes IBS is still unclear.

Scientists across multiple fields are researching a wide variety of possible causes and contributing factors for IBS but much more needs to be done to provide any significant answers. Some of the most promising areas of research include: 

• Motility: The speed at which your digestive system moves food through your body. [1]
• Visceral hypersensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to movement and gases in the internal organs registering as pain. [2]
• The gut-brain connection: Disruption in the nerve signals that communicate between the gut and the brain. [3]
• Gut microbiome: Disruption to the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive system. [4]
• Genetics: IBS tends to run in families, the discovery of a genetic mutation could be a contributing factor in a small percentage of sufferers. [5]
• Hormones: IBS affects significantly more people assigned as female at birth than it does people assigned as male at birth, suggesting that hormones may play a part. Many people that menstruate report their IBS symptoms are significantly worse during their period. [6]
• Inflammation: Though not typically present in IBS most likely in cases of post-infectious IBS. [7]
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, obesity, lack of exercise, low fibre intake, poor diet, and stress can all make IBS worse. [8]

How do I know what caused my IBS?

It's possible that the tests your doctor performs will give you more answers about the specific cause of your IBS. However, many people never receive a definite explanation as to the root cause of their symptoms.

You may need to push for further testing and answers to get to a point where you're confident you've uncovered the root cause and you're happy with the diagnosis.

Some people will also have IBS alongside other health conditions, which can make it more difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

Do you suspect you may have IBS? Could you do with some support as you navigate your tests, doctors appointments and diagnosis? We break it all down into easy to manage steps in these posts.

Have your medical team uncovered the cause of your symptoms yet?