There is no specific cause for IBS.
But the most common risk factors are:
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an attack of Gastroenteritis.
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a traumatic or upsetting event.
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courses of powerful antibiotics.
All of these seem to reset the gut to a state of excitation:
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stimulating the gut immune system.
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inducing a mild inflammation.
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depleting the colonic bacteria.
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making the gut sensitive.
Most people with IBS have a sensitive gut
In a sensitive gut, symptoms can be triggered by:
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diet
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stress or life change.