Do stress and anxiety cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Doctor's Answer

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan
Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Stress and anxiety does not cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). They can, however, affect the symptom severity of IBS. IBS is a condition classified under functional disorders of the digestive tract in which a person suffering from IBS is prone to charges in the form of his or her stool. This can range from constipation to loose stools. In majority of the cases, bloating and abdominal pain are present as well.

The underlying cause of IBS is largely unknown although most believe it to be related to some upset in the sensory and motor functions of the digestive tract. There is also a significant central component to IBS such that mood changes and emotions can make the bowel more irritable. Under such circumstance, patient suffering from IBS may experience worsening of their symptoms be it constipation or diarrhoea predominant.

- Dr Quan

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