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What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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Irritable bowel syndrome is the result of violation of biological, psychological and social adaptation of a person, the formation is based on a change in visceral sensitivity and motor activity of the intestine, persistent disruption of the cooperation of the nervous and immune systems of the body.
The main links in the development of irritable bowel syndrome are:
- dysfunction of cholinergic and adrenergic nerves, imbalance of neurotransmitters and regulatory peptides (cholecystokinin, motilin, neurotensin), opioid peptides (enkephalins, endorphins, vasoactive intestinal peptide, serotonin, etc.);
- increased sensitivity of the smooth muscles of the colon to the intestinal regulators;
- the lability of the central nervous system, when the intestine plays the role of a target organ that implements a disturbance in the regulation of visceral organs. The threshold of pain sensitivity changes, the receptivity of the receptor apparatus of the intestine is disturbed.
The most severe forms of irritable bowel syndrome develop in children and adolescents who have suffered severe life upheavals.
Suppression of urge to defecate (shortage of time in the morning, travel, shyness, uncomfortable toilet), leading to partial or complete loss of the physiological defecation reflex, contributes to the development of irritable bowel syndrome.