Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is well known for its significant effects on the human digestive system. It is considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder because it encompasses diverse idiopathic health abnormalities that involve motility disruptions and visceral pain that affect different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Either, it is an idiopathic disease since its root cause and background information remain unknown. Nevertheless, genetics, bacteria, post-infectious, lack of vitamin D, and risk factors like depression and prolonged fever are said to be potential causes of IBS. Victims of IBS tend to experience different symptoms based on their level of immunity, environmental factors, and the type of diet they consume daily. However, common symptoms include Bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excess gas, and inconsistent bowel movement (ANDERSON, 2023). This paper discusses the possible causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and disease management in detail.
Possible Causes
First, genes are believed to participate in the infection of irritable bowel syndrome (Jenner, 2018). When one of your immediate family members once had an IBM, you may get infected someday. Notably, an excellent example of genes causing IBM is in monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Research shows that monozygotic twins are more likely to share the syndrome than dizygotic twins. It is so because the possibility of identical twins sharing the same Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is higher, though not mandatory, than that of dizygotic twins. Monozygotic twins share various diseases, behaviors, interests, and personalities. That shows how one of the identical twins may have an IBM inherited from the other twin. Genetics, therefore, is considered to be a potential cause of IBS.
Secondly, bacteria can also cause IBS. Since IBS mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines may cause IBS. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines is also known as small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome. It entails the growth of excess bacteria in the small intestine to over 100,000 organisms per milliliter, which is above the standard threshold. Victims develop conditions like diarrhea, adnominal bloating, and nausea in such a case. Large intestines are unaffected by the overgrowth of bacteria since they primarily produce huge masses of bacteria, thus small intestines (Waluga, 2020). Symptoms caused by bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine are the same as those that show IBS infection.
Thirdly, a lack of vitamin D is a threat that can also cause irritable bowel syndrome. Popularly known as hypovitaminosis D, it is when a person’s vitamin D level is below the standard level. It is caused by insufficient exposure to sunlight, which is rich in ultraviolet B rays. It can also be caused by poor diet or inadequate consumption of nutrition that is rich in vitamin D. Lack of vitamin D dominates in victims of IBS as it regulates triggers for the syndrome, such as psychosocial factors, gut microbiome, and immune responses. Lack of it may kill the regulation process, which results in IBS.
Risk factors such as psychological factors and post-infection can cause IBS. Additionally, prolonged fever and younger age also play a crucial role in the affection of IBS. Though psychological factors like depression and anxiety may not directly affect the IBS condition, they may worsen it. The role of the brain gut in psychological and physical abuse during childhood is said to facilitate the growth of IBS-affected individuals. Prolonged fever, on the other hand, may trigger IBS.
In some cases, fever can be a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease, which is not a direct sign somebody has IBS. However, when it persists, it can cause IBS. It is advisable that when a fever persists, a doctor should intervene to reduce the risk of getting IBS.
Signs and Symptoms of IBS
Some different signs and symptoms validate the existence of IBS in the human body (Sienkiewicz, 2020). Common ones are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, excess gas, and inconsistency in bowel movement. Diarrhea is said to affect a third of individuals with IBS. Research shows that IBS victims, among 200 adults, experience 12 bowel movements in a week, more than twice those who are not victims. On the other hand, abdominal pain is a common symptom and an essential factor when conducting a diagnosis. Typically, the human brain partners with the gut to control digestion, which occurs through nerves and hormones. Unfortunately, this partnership is distorted during IBS, leading to severe pains in the digestive tract muscles. The named symptoms are not to be ignored by any chance.
Diagnosis
As an idiopathic disorder, IBM doesn’t have a proper diagnosis laboratory. However, scientists have identified a criterion, the Rome criteria, which are procedures that entail the conduction of clinical trials among patients since symptoms vary from one patient to the other. They consider symptoms like abdominal pains and diarrhea. The test algorithm is set to identify an identification name that can be attached to a particular condition of a person based on combined symptoms of cramps, diarrhea, and constipation. They also use differential diagnosis to identify possible diseases associated with the same symptoms (Mikhail, 2023). Both thyroid gland disorder and inflammatory bowel disease may feature abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting symptoms, therefore a differential diagnosis becomes essential.
Disease Management
Management runs from the appropriate type of food an affected person should take and a healthy person to prevent it to the proper medication to be taken by victims. People are encouraged to take fodmaps and fibers to reduce the chances of getting IBM. Fiber works as a bulking agent, whereby a consistent stool is resulted. It prevents constipation, which is a common symptom of IBM. Either, physical activities also play a vital role in preventing IBM. A well-prescribed physical activity for an IBS patient results in clinical benefits. On the medication side, regular medication should be applied to people suffering from IBS. Drugs used in treating IBS include antidepressants, antispasmodics, serotonergic agents, and laxatives.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, the paper has discussed IBS as a disease caused by genetics, psychological factors, and lack of vitamins, especially vitamin D. It is displayed by a diversity of signs and symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Its diagnosis becomes critical since it does not have a proper root cause. Therefore, scientists look for different ways of diagnosis to find out its existence in the human body. However different medicine has been identified and practices mentioned on how IBS can be prevented, regulated, and escalated.
References
ANDERSON, E. D. (2023). Irritable bowel syndrome; the complete guide to understanding and managing IBS. SHUTTLE SYSTEMS LTD.
Duffy, R. (2018). The Essential Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Need-2-Know.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
Jenner, P. (2018). Beat your irritable bowel syndrome in seven simple steps: Practical ways to approach, manage and beat your IBS problem. John Murray Learning.
Mikhail, S. (2023). The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of Digestive Health and Illness. Hammersmith Health Books.
Sienkiewicz, M. (2020). Diet in irritable bowel syndrome. A Comprehensive Overview of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 183–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-821324-7.00013-7
Waluga, M. (2020). Biomarkers of irritable bowel syndrome. A Comprehensive Overview of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 107–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-821324-7.00009-5
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