Cause
The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are still largely unexplained today. There is only so much that can be said that although those affected are really ill and special processes in the digestive system do not function properly, these cannot be explained by pathological changes in organs. Currently, various factors are being discussed which could trigger the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome, but most of them have not yet been proven.
Probably the exchange of information between the brain and the intestinal nervous system (the so-called “abdominal brain”) plays an important role. If this is disturbed, even normal digestive processes can be perceived as painful because the pain threshold is lowered (hyperalgesia). A central role is attributed here to the messenger substance serotonin, which is essential for controlling intestinal mobility as well as for the sensation of pain.
The majority of complaints are caused by an increase in motility, i.e. excessively active intestinal muscles. In some cases, other diseases also precede the development of irritable bowel syndrome. These include intolerance or allergic reactions to certain foods (dairy products, coffee, alcohol, citrus fruits, etc.)
or bacterial intestinal infections. In about a quarter of patients with irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis (stomach flu) can be diagnosed. Other possible triggers (“triggers”) are: a hereditary predisposition (irritable bowel syndromes are more common in families, which, in addition to genetic factors, can also indicate a role of upbringing or family habits), hormonal influences, certain medications, an incorrect colonization of the natural intestinal flora, whereby certain bacteria are more abundant and others too scarce, and above all, an incorrect diet (for example, if it is too rich in fat or low in fiber).
The risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome increases considerably when several of these factors come together. In some patients an increased number of white blood cells (leukocytes) can be detected, which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. The mechanisms that could lead to irritable bowel syndrome are currently being studied and discussed in detail by both conventional and alternative medicine and represent a large and important field of research.
