IBS Risk Factors
Many people are likely to experience occasional symptoms of IBS at some point in their lives, however, the chances of developing the condition are greatly increased if:
- A person suffers from mental issues such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders or have a history of abuse. For many women, domestic or sexual abuse is a risk factor too as negative emotions often elicit a gut response.
- It runs in a person's family and other family members have IBS. This may be related to either genetics or the shared environmental factors typical of family units.
- One is under the age of 45 as this is the time when the condition seems to be most prevalent.
- A person is female, as IBS is seen in more women than men (although men do suffer from it too).
IBS complications
Constipation and diarrhoea are both symptoms of IBS and are known to aggravate haemorrhoids. By avoiding certain foods, the body may not be getting the right nutrition or enough fibre, both of which are required to ease gastrointestinal issues. A chronic lack of adequate nutrition can also cause malnutrition and this comes with many risks to a person's overall health.
IBS can affecte the sufferers personal life in ways that should not be underestimated. In some sufferers symptoms are so severe that they have to avoid certain activities such as outdoor excursions (as restrooms may not always be easily accessible), seeing family and friends due to discomfort or pain associated with constipation and/or diahorrea.
Sufferers may also feel constantly uncomfortable due to bloating and face a loss of confidence. This can result in depression, which is often a serious condition if not diagnosed, treated and dealt with.