Here is information about the onset of an attack of irritable bowel syndrome.
“The onset of IBS symptoms is usually slow and ongoing for a prolonged period of time,” says Dr. Saad Habba, MD, an attending consultant physician (gastroenterologist) at Overlook Medical Center located in Summit, NJ.
Dr. Habba further explains, “Attacks do not come on acutely and do not behave as an ‘on and off’ switch. Accordingly, they may stay for days and sometimes weeks, particularly if the underlying precipitating factor is constantly introduced, such as lactose intolerance, sugar intolerance or stress.
“The association of stress and psychosomatic [physical symptoms worsened by mental stress] influences in IBS is well-documented — and may play an important role in the severity and length of symptoms.
“There is no set period as to when an episode usually occurs or disappears, as every person reacts differently to this condition.”
Mental Stress and IBS: Hand-in-Hand
IBS is now widely viewed as a gut-brain interaction disorder.
Research led by (Drossman et al, Gastroenterology, 2016) shows that people with IBS are more stress-responsive, and stressful life events are closely tied to symptom severity and persistence.
Stress and anxiety affect IBS in several ways.
Studies by Mayer et al (Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2015) explain that mental strain, pressure or worry alters gut motility, increases pain sensitivity and disrupts signaling between the brain and intestines.
This can can prolong symptom flares. Plus, daily stress or anxiety often precede symptom flare-ups in IBS.
Something Else to Consider
If you’ve never had any of these issues mentioned above, but then one day have a sudden onset of peculiar diarrhea that persists, don’t assume this is probably irritable bowel syndrome.
IBS has a great mimicker out there…
This happened to me, and even though a nurse thought it might possibly be a first-time attack of irritable bowel syndrome, it turned out to be a condition called microscopic colitis — which is frequently misdiagnosed as IBS due to a strong overlap of symptoms.
Dr. Habba pioneered the concept of IBS being a wastebasket diagnosis and collection of different entities rather than a true single medical condition. He’s been presented and published in 26 national and international medical journals and symposia.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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