Is IBS caused by stress?

Question

Id just like your views...i have IBS and i think its the IBS that gives me the stress.
Its a bit weird that with me my entire digestive system gets inflamed then i get really anxious as i cant digest and get constipated. Ive found a drug thats working now and i am so much calmer and happier. All you IBS sufferers what came first the chicken or the egg?

Answer 1

In gastroenterology, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits which are not associated with any abnormalities seen on routine clinical testing. It is fairly common and makes up 20–50% of visits to gastroenterologists. Lower abdominal pain, and bloating associated with alteration of bowel habits and abdominal discomfort relieved with defecation are the most frequent symptoms. The abdominal pain type is usually described in a patient as either diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) or IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A). In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterised by two or more of the following; fever, vomiting, acute diarrhoea, positive stool culture. This post infective syndrome has consequently been termed "Post infectious IBS" (IBS-PI) and is acute onset Rome II criteria positive. This condition is more homogenous, being mostly IBS-D and is drawing much clinical investigation.

Stress
Stress—feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed—may trigger symptoms in people with IBS. The colon has a vast supply of nerves that connect it to the brain. These nerves control the normal rhythmic contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or "butterflies" when they are nervous or upset. But with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress. Stress also makes the mind more tuned to the sensations that arise in the colon and makes the stressed person perceive these sensations as unpleasant.

Some evidence suggests that IBS is affected by the immune system, which fights infection in the body. The immune system is also affected by stress. For all these reasons, stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS. Stress management comprises:

stress reduction (relaxation) training and relaxation therapies, such as meditation
counseling and support
regular exercise such as walking or yoga
changes to the stressful situations in your life
adequate sleep
It should be noted that the gut has its own nervous system - the enteric nervous system which has reciprocal connections to the main brain. The discovery of this system has lead to the development of the field of neurogastroenterology.

Full article here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome

Answer 2

Stress—feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed—may trigger symptoms in people with IBS. The colon has a vast supply of nerves that connect it to the brain. These nerves control the normal rhythmic contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or "butterflies" when they are nervous or upset. But with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress. Stress also makes the mind more tuned to the sensations that arise in the colon and makes the stressed person perceive these sensations as unpleasant.

Answer 3

IBS is not caused by stress. Many people who suffer from IBS report having 'upsets' even when the stress factors in their lives are low. Stress can exacerbate IBS. In fact, stress often causes digestive problems in people without IBS.

Answer 4

Hi,
IBS isnt caused by stress as the majority of people with stress dont have IBS. However, IBS can be made worse by stress and then the worsening of the IBS can cause more stress...so its a vicious cycle unfortunately. Glad you have found something that works for you though!

Answer 5

I had IBS for about 4 years, and it got far worse when I was stressed - remember, everyone reacts differently to stress. I identified the foods that aggravated it - for me it was caffeine, wheat & alcohol - and avoided them as much as I could. Peppermint tea helped sometimes, but it was so painful at times that I didn't feel I could face eating anything! Not the best choice.

However, since having people pray for me 3 years ago, I've been totally fine :o)

Answer 6

Stresses of all kinds may aggravate IBS. See Elizabeth Lipski's excellent book Digestive Wellness for expert info and advice on how to deal with this nasty problem. Good luck!

Answer 7

IBS can certainly be aggrivated by stress, as well as dietary factors, and some people say that theirs was initially provoked by a very stressful time in their lives. To my knowledge, it is not known at present whether or not one has a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Answer 8

Hiya, my ibs is ten times worse if im stressed about something.
Yes you are right though, if you want to go out but cant stop going to the loo that also stresses you out.

Answer 9

It isn't caused by stress but stress can cause a flare-up of IBS

Answer 10

hi IBS can be caused by stress i have it an when im stressed it gets worse.