Introduction

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition in which due to some problem related to the gastrointestinal tract, there is difficulty in defecation and pain in the GIT which in turn may cause blood in stools and heartburn and other general effects in the body.

Causes

This condition is not caused by infection, inflammation, or blockage. In fact, evaluation with X-rays, endoscopy, and blood testing usually fails to show any abnormality. The common causes are:

Gut reaction to "triggers"

This sensitive GI tract can show a hyper-reaction to things that activate or "trigger" pain and symptoms. Some foods that are well accepted in others can initiate a major reaction in some e.g.: spicy foods, smoking etc.

Increased sensitivity to what is happening in the gut and abdomen

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome have enhanced sensation and perception of bowel function. Another way of looking at this is that patients with irritable bowel syndrome and other functional GI disorders have lower internal pain thresholds for reasons which are not understood.

Disturbances of the normal activity and function of the digestive tract

The normal movement of food contents through the digestive tract depends upon motility, or peristalsis, which is the rhythmic muscular contraction of the gut. A disturbance in normal motility and peristalsis causes symptoms like cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and relief of pain with the passage of loose bowel movements.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome has a very important psychological reference. A patient usually has a history of trauma or abuse.

Triggers of GIT :

Foods.

Dietary substances.

Caffeine.

Inflammation and infection.

Drugs and medications.

Hormones.

Seasonal changes.

Stress.

Psychological problems.

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