Causes of irritable bowel syndrome | Irritable bowel syndrome

Causes of irritable bowel syndrome

The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are currently still the subject of research. In the vast majority of cases there is no organic trigger. Instead, it is suspected that the smallest injuries to the intestinal mucosa promote inflammatory processes.

This results in the release of various messenger substances and hormones that influence the specific nervous system of the intestine. In the majority of patients with irritable bowel syndrome, an overactivity of the so-called mast cells has been observed. These are immune cells that release the messenger substances histamine and heparin.

They are not only active in the defence against pathogenic substances, but also in the context of allergic reactions. It is suspected that they contribute to the typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Other causes include an unbalanced microbiome in the intestine.

There is an imbalance between bacteria that promote digestion in the intestine and those that contribute less. There are psychological factors that favour the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome. These include depression, anxiety disorders and stress.

The messenger substances released in this context not only act in the brain, but also have an influence on the so-called enteric nervous system of the intestine. (Irritable bowel syndrome can occur after an allergic reaction to certain foods (food allergy) or their intolerance, or after an intestinal infection caused by bacteria. Irritable bowel syndrome can occur after an allergic reaction to certain foods (food allergy) or their intolerance or a bacterial intestinal infection.

Three possible causes of irritable bowel syndrome are discussed: Motility disorders Altered intestinal sensation Psychosocial factors Some researchers discuss the possibility of an imbalance of messenger substances in the gastrointestinal tract and inflammatory changes in the mucous membranes are suspected of causing such symptoms.

  • A motility disorder
  • An altered intestinal sensation
  • Psychosocial factors
  • The proper movement of the colon is disturbed. This is caused by influences such as meals, emotions or stretching and can lead to both too strong a contraction (-> constipation) and too light a contraction (-> diarrhea).
  • Patients with irritable bowel syndrome feel pain faster than healthy people when the bowel is filled.
  • More than half of the patients with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from unusual psychosocial stress factors. They often also suffer from depression or anxiety. Such psychological factors can influence the sensation of pain.