The cause of IBS varies from person to person, which is what makes irritable bowel syndrome and the symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and chronic abdominal pain so difficult for most doctors to treat.
However, through proper testing you will be able to identify the exact cause or causes of your symptoms and live a life free of digestive problems.
There are several hundred potential causes of IBS, but most cases result from issues that fit into two major categories:
- Food Allergies and Intolerances
- Microbial Issues – including infections, bacterial imbalances, yeast, and parasites
There are other issues as well and since every patient is different it is essential to understand what is causing the IBS symptoms if you want to find an appropriate and ultimately successful treatment. Use the links at the left to learn more about IBS causes and some of the testing for those causes. Learn more about how IBS in men can be different from IBS in women.
Dr. Stephen Wangen is the award winning author of two books on solving digestive disorders, and a nationally recognized speaker on IBS. He has been on ABC, NBC, and Fox as well as public radio. He was recently named one of Seattle’s Top Doctors by Seattle Magazine.
