Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Indigestion, Crohn's Disease and Other Disorders Affecting Digestion
Sep 10, 2009
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract and affects women three times more often than men. Symptoms include abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhea. Spasms in the walls of the large intestine may occur affecting bowel movement. Though not life-threatening, IBS can cause abdominal cramping, gas, pain, and constipation or diarrhea. The GI tract is especially sensitive to stimuli such as stress, diet, hormones, drugs and other irritants which may cause it to react abnormally leading to discomfort.
For an overview of digestion, read: How the Digestive System Works.
Causes of Digestive Pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome due to a food sensitivity or intolerance can cause diarrhea and gas. An ample quantity and quality of digestive enzymes are needed to break down, process and deliver essential nutrients to maintain good health.
An overabundance of processed, fatty food and high stress levels often decrease our body’s ability to produce enough enzymes and keep our digestion functioning efficiently. When these enzyme levels dip and the digestive system is unable to break down and absorb certain food products, discomfort results and symptoms of diarrhea, painful gas and abdominal cramps and indigestion may occur. A physician can determine whether decreasing or replacing certain food products or taking enzyme supplements can provide the needed digestive support.
The GI tract also contains the largest immune system in the body, defending it against potentially pathogenic microorganisms that find their way into the body through food, drink and the environment. In Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the immune system reacts to normal tissue and harmless microbes as well as harmful invaders. This autoimmune response damages GI tract tissue leading to diarrhea, bleeding and other symptoms.
Crohn’s disease causes inflammation deep in the lining of the small intestine, inducing pain and chronic diarrhea. It can be a difficult disease to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine..
When to see a Doctor for Stomach Pain
Though normal bowel habits will differ among individuals, it is important to be aware of changes that persist or appear abruptly. Drugs and surgery for digestive disease do not generally work to restore the harmony of the GI system, but are necessary for diseases that alter the structure of the bowel, for example cancer and certain types of inflammation and other serious disorders. However, if left untreated, even minor disorders can prevent optimal digestion and nutrient absorption resulting in severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body.
It is critical to see your doctor if you experience the following recurring symptoms without obvious reasons: abdominal pain or cramping before or after meals, feelings of fullness, bloating or gassiness, nausea or vomiting, pain or difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite, drastic unexplained weight loss, indigestion, bleeding or pain when passing waste, feeling that the bowels are not emptying completely and diarrhea, constipation and any chronic change in bowel habit.
Diarrhea and the dehydration it causes, can be a serious problem for anyone, but is especially life-threatening for young children and the elderly. A doctor must be consulted if diarrhea persists or if it is accompanied by symptoms of severe abdominal pain, a high fever or blood or mucus.
A physician can also determine whether chronic digestive discomfort is an indication of other disease. Disorders that affect other body systems can distort the functioning of the GI tract. Neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and spinal cord injuries may alter the electrical signals needed for smooth digestive function. Metabolic and endocrine disorders including diabetes and an over or under-active thyroid gland may affect hormonal signals to the digestive tract. These disorders can slow or speed up the movement of matter through the GI tract causing constipation or diarrhea.
For more information see: How the Digestive System Works
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