Causes of irritable bowel syndrome: A Synthesis of Findings from 6 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the quality of life of many people worldwide. While the exact causes are still not fully understood, research has revealed that various factors are involved. IBS symptoms vary from person to person and can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Causes of IBS

The causes of IBS are still not fully understood. However, it is believed that multiple factors are involved in a complex interplay.

Common Causes

Gut Microbiome Imbalance

In IBS patients, the composition of the gut microbiome can change, with certain types of bacteria increasing or decreasing. Also, disruption of the gut microbiome can worsen IBS symptoms by causing inflammation and increasing intestinal permeability.

Neurotransmitter Abnormalities

IBS patients may experience disruptions in the brain-gut axis, leading to altered neurotransmitter secretion. For example, abnormal glutamate secretion may be associated with abdominal pain in IBS. Also, abnormalities in neurotransmitters such as serotonin can affect intestinal motility, mood, and digestive symptoms.

Food Sensitivity

Some IBS patients experience hypersensitivity to certain foods, which can worsen their symptoms. For example, foods containing fermentable carbohydrates called FODMAPs can exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Stress

Stress is known to worsen IBS symptoms. Stress can disrupt intestinal motility, trigger inflammation, and even affect the composition of the gut microbiome, thereby exacerbating IBS symptoms.

Infections

IBS can develop after experiencing gastrointestinal infections, such as gastroenteritis. Infections can cause inflammation of the intestinal lining, alter the gut microbiome, and trigger IBS symptoms.

Genetic Factors

There may be a genetic component to IBS. If there are many IBS patients in a family, the risk of developing IBS is higher.

Other

Other causes of IBS include bile acid abnormalities, immune system abnormalities, and abnormal intestinal motility.

Causes of IBS Management

Dietary Changes

Dietary changes are essential to improve IBS symptoms. A diet low in FODMAPs is expected to improve IBS symptoms. It is also important to eat foods rich in dietary fiber and limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Stress Reduction

Since stress can worsen IBS symptoms, it is important to reduce stress. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, ensuring adequate sleep, and avoiding stress triggers can be helpful.

Medication Therapy

Medication therapy is sometimes used to improve IBS symptoms. 5 Depending on the symptoms, antidiarrheal medications, laxatives, and pain relievers may be prescribed. 5 Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed.

Improving the Gut Microbiome

Improving the gut microbiome is crucial for IBS patients. Consuming probiotics and prebiotics can help balance the gut microbiome.

Other

Exercise therapy, acupuncture, and other methods have also been explored to improve IBS symptoms.

Comparison Between Studies

Similarities

Many studies suggest that IBS is a multifactorial disease involving a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Differences

Research on IBS pathology and causes is still ongoing and not comprehensive. As a result, findings may differ across studies. For example, the impact of changes in gut microbiome composition on IBS symptoms has yielded varying results in different research.

Practical Implications

There is no established cure for IBS. Therefore, various methods may need to be tried to alleviate symptoms, and finding the most suitable treatment for each individual is crucial.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on IBS pathology and causes is still not comprehensive. Therefore, there are no established cures for IBS. Also, as IBS symptoms vary among individuals, there is no treatment that works for all patients.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to elucidate IBS pathology and causes. Specifically, further research is needed on the relationship between the gut microbiome, stress, neurotransmitters, and IBS.

Conclusion

IBS is a complex disease that is not fully understood. However, it is believed that various factors are involved in a complex interplay. Improving diet, reducing stress, and medication therapy are all potential strategies to manage IBS symptoms. While a cure for IBS has not yet been established, ongoing research offers hope for the development of more effective treatments in the future.

Literature analysis of 6 papers
Positive Content
4
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
1
Article Type
4
0
1
1
6
1.

Irritable bowel syndrome treatment using pinaverium bromide as a calcium channel blocker. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Author: AwadR, DibildoxM, OrtizF

Irritable bowel syndrome is a major cause of missed work. As there is currently no effective treatment, sufferers often seek help from multiple doctors and try various medications over long periods. This has significant economic and social implications for families and workplaces.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of rifaximin to prevent travelers' diarrhea.

Author: DuPontHerbert L, JiangZhi-Dong, OkhuysenPablo C, EricssonCharles D, de la CabadaFrancisco Javier, KeShi, DuPontMargaret W, Martinez-SandovalFrancisco

Travelers' diarrhea prevention

Rifaximin, a nonabsorbable antibiotic, was effective in preventing travelers’ diarrhea in Mexico. It provided 72% protection against travelers’ diarrhea and 77% protection against antibiotic-treated travelers’ diarrhea.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

3.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of paroxetine controlled-release in irritable bowel syndrome.

Author: MasandPrakash S, PaeChi-Un, KrulewiczStan, PeindlKathleen, MannelliPaolo, VariaIndu M, PatkarAshwin A

The study did not demonstrate a statistically significant benefit for paroxetine-CR over placebo on the primary outcome measure, although there was improvement in secondary outcome measures. Overall, paroxetine-CR seems to have potential benefit in IBS.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

4.

Mucosal inflammation as a potential etiological factor in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.

Author: FordAlexander C, TalleyNicholas J

IBS Treatment

Mast cell activation may be a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

5.

Assessment of the effectiveness and safety of ethosuximide in the treatment of abdominal pain related to irritable bowel syndrome - IBSET: protocol of a randomised, parallel, controlled, double-blind and multicentre trial.

Author: KerckhoveNicolas, ScanziJulien, PereiraBruno, ArdidDenis, DapoignyMichel

IBS treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder causing chronic abdominal pain and bowel problems. While IBS isn't life-threatening, it significantly affects quality of life and is costly to manage. Current treatments are not very effective, and the exact causes of IBS are unknown. Recent research suggests that a type of channel in the nervous system, called a T-type channel, may play a role in IBS pain. This study aims to investigate whether ethosuximide, a medication that blocks T-type channels, can help relieve abdominal pain in people with IBS.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIA Phase II trial is a trial that further evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose safety has been confirmed to some extent in a Phase I trial, in a small number of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

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