What causes IBS?

The causes of IBS are unknown, but research indicates a number of factors are involved, including abnormal gut-brain axis communication, visceral hypersensitivity and altered motility, and the gut microbiota. Miscommunication between the brain and the gut could cause abnormal intestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity, leading to changes in bowel function and abdominal pain. One form of IBS can be brought on by a gastrointestinal infection, and many symptoms of IBS also occur with small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Some studies show that the gut microbes of people with IBS differ from healthy people, but it’s unclear whether this is a cause or a consequence of the disease. Genetics and early life trauma may also influence the risk of developing IBS later in life.^[1]