Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, affects a large part of the Danish population, but the causes behind the condition are often unclear to those living with it. In this post, we take a closer look at what can cause irritable bowel syndrome, what treatment options are available, and what less common symptoms you should be aware of.
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning that the bowel does not function normally, even though there are generally no visible damage or disease in the bowel tissue. The condition is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention for abdominal symptoms, and it can significantly affect both physical well-being and quality of life. You can read more about the typical symptoms in our post on how irritable bowel syndrome can be experienced. In this post, we instead delve into what truly lies behind the condition and what you can do about it.
What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
There is no single definitive cause of irritable bowel syndrome, but research points to an interaction of several factors:
- Imbalance in gut flora: The composition of bacteria in the gut can affect how the gut functions and reacts to food.
- Hypersensitive gut: Some individuals have a gut that is more sensitive to distension and movement, which can cause pain during normal processes.
- Diet: Certain foods, including fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, and foods high in FODMAPs, can trigger or worsen symptoms.
- Stress and psychological strain: There is a close connection between the brain and the gut, meaning that stress and anxiety can often significantly worsen symptoms.
- Previous gastrointestinal infections: Some develop IBS-like symptoms after a past stomach infection.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Many women experience worsening symptoms in connection with their menstrual cycle.
Because the causes are so diverse, it is rarely possible to point to a single triggering factor – and therefore, an individual assessment is often necessary to find the right approach to treatment. This very complexity is why two people with the same diagnosis can have vastly different triggering factors and therefore also need different treatment approaches.
The three types of irritable bowel syndrome
IBS is typically divided into three subtypes, depending on which bowel movement pattern dominates: IBS-D, where diarrhea is the predominant symptom; IBS-C, where constipation dominates; and IBS-M, where one alternates between the two. Knowing your own subtype can be crucial for which treatment and dietary changes make the most sense, as recommendations can vary significantly depending on whether the primary challenge is diarrhea or constipation.
An overlooked symptom: back pain
While most people associate irritable bowel syndrome with abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, some also experience pain radiating to the lower back. This is because the nerves of the intestine are close to the nerves in the lumbar spine, meaning that bloating and cramps in the intestine can sometimes be experienced as back pain. If you have persistent back pain without an obvious cause, it may therefore be relevant to consider whether your bowels play a role – especially if the pain occurs along with other bowel-related symptoms.
How irritable bowel syndrome is treated
Treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is rarely about a single solution, but rather a combination of measures tailored to the individual's symptoms and triggers:
- Dietary changes: Many experience relief by identifying and avoiding specific foods that trigger their symptoms, for example, through a structured elimination diet.
- Stress management: Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or other relaxation methods can reduce the intensity of symptoms, as stress often worsens the gut's reaction pattern.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise can help regulate bowel function and reduce bloating.
- Targeted insight into gut flora: Understanding which bacteria are in excess or deficit in your gut can form the basis for more targeted dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
Gain insight into your gut flora at Valida Health
At Valida Health, we offer Digital Gut™, an advanced microbiome home test that provides you with insight into the composition of your gut flora. The test is performed in three simple steps:
- Order the test by calling or booking an appointment online.
- Perform the test at home and send the sample back with the included return label.
- Receive your results directly in the Unseen Bio app, typically about three weeks after the sample has been sent.
The results provide you and our healthcare professionals with a concrete basis for tailoring a plan that addresses your underlying imbalances, rather than guessing your way to the right dietary or lifestyle change.
When should you seek professional help?
Although irritable bowel syndrome is rarely dangerous, it is important to have your symptoms examined if they are new, worsening, or accompanied by weight loss, blood in the stool, fever, or symptoms that wake you up at night. These can be signs of another underlying condition that should be ruled out by a doctor before concluding that the symptoms are due to IBS. This also applies if your symptoms, including any back pain, appear suddenly in a person over 50, or if there are cases of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease in the family.
Frequently asked questions about causes and treatment
Can irritable bowel syndrome be completely cured?
IBS is a chronic condition, but many experience significant relief or even symptom-free periods when they find the right dietary and lifestyle adjustments for their body.
Is irritable bowel syndrome hereditary?
There is some familial clustering, suggesting that genetics may play a role, but lifestyle and gut flora typically have a greater impact on whether and how symptoms develop.
Can back pain really be caused by irritable bowel syndrome?
Yes, bloating and cramps in the intestine can in some cases be experienced as lower back pain, particularly in individuals who already have other IBS symptoms.
How quickly do dietary changes work?
Some experience improvement within a few weeks, while others need more time to identify and eliminate their specific trigger foods.
Do I need a microbiome test to get help?
It is not a requirement, but the test can provide valuable insight that makes it easier to target both dietary and lifestyle changes, rather than guessing.
Move forward with a microbiome test at Valida Health
If you have been struggling with unexplained abdominal symptoms for a long time, an understanding of your symptoms combined with a microbiome test can give you the insight you have been missing.
Book an appointment at Valida Health and start finding the cause of your bowel problems.
