Understanding IBS and its Relationship with Constipation

What do stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation have in common? They are all symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a common condition affecting the digestive tract.

So what is IBS? IBS is part of a group of disorders called functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDS). These disorders are pretty common – a 2021 study found that around 40% of the world’s population lives with some type of FGIDS, of which IBS is 1 of 33 adult conditions. These disorders can be caused by environmental, hereditary and individual factors such as family history, gut sensitivity, immune system functioning as well as mental health factors like anxiety and depression.

Getting enough sleep, exercising, drinking enough water, reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption and eating a healthy, high fibre diet can help with FGIDS. It is also thought that there is a strong link between mental wellbeing and physical digestive issue symptoms so working on your mental health can have a significant positive impact on your symptoms.

Like many things, we don’t know exactly what causes IBS. Some factors which may be involved in someone developing IBS include:

• Experiencing stress early in life
• Changes in the gut microbiome
• IBS as an aftermath of a severe bout of diarrhoea caused by infection or a virus
• Issues with muscle contractions in the intestines and how food moves through your digestive tract
• Extra sensitive nerves in the digestive tract
• Food intolerances

IBS can also be triggered by:

• Certain foods. The types of food that trigger you will depend on whether you have any intolerances or sensitivities, but common triggering foods include gluten and gassy drinks.
• Stress
• Menstrual periods may worsen IBS symptoms in sufferers.

Women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to experience IBS than men. People who have anxiety, depression and/or PTSD, a history of abuse and a chronic pain condition like fibromyalgia are also at higher risk of IBS.

If you suspect you might be suffering from IBS then we recommend you contact a healthcare professional for diagnosis, advice and treatment plans.