If you are a science geek like me, you can’t get enough of the information that IBS research provides. Although the magical cure has yet to be discovered, information is constantly being uncovered regarding the causes of IBS, effectiveness of treatment, and the overlap of IBS with other health conditions. The following articles provide you with an overview of some of the latest IBS research findings.

Five Reasons Why IBS Is Not All in Your Head

“It’s all in your head” is the oft-quoted diagnosis by those ignorant of even the most basic of IBS research. Certainly the lack of physical findings on standard diagnostic testing adds to the frustration and insecurity regarding a diagnosis of IBS. This insecurity can be offset by knowing that research is pointing to identifiable physical changes in IBS. Here are the main areas of inquiry:

Motility Dysfunction in IBS

Visceral Hypersensitivity and IBS

The Brain Gut Connection in IBS

Inflammation and IBS

Gut Bacteria and IBS

Further Research on the Causes of IBS

Beyond the physical changes that may be related to IBS symptoms, research has branched into other areas looking for information as to what causes IBS. The diversity of these areas of inquiry reflect the complicated nature of IBS itself. Whether it be looking at what effect stress has on digestive functioning, looking as specific symptoms, or identifying a subset of IBS, you can find assurance that researchers are working hard to find some helpful answers.

The Stress Response and IBS

IBS in Men

IBS in Women

Bloating and Distension in IBS

Post Infectious IBS

Treatment of IBS

It seems like daily a new research study is published looking at the effectiveness of various treatments on reducing symptoms of IBS. Each new study brings an improved awareness of treatment options that are safe and effective.

The first article listed below provides a summary of research-driven treatment recommendations, while the others provide an in-depth look at specific forms of treatment.

IBS Management Guidelines 2014

Medication for Constipation Predominant IBS

Medication for Diarrhea Predominant IBS

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for IBS

Hypnotherapy for IBS

Acupuncture for IBS

Does a Low FODMAP Diet Help IBS?

Look-Alike Disorders

In the search for a fuller understanding of IBS, researchers have looked to uncover health problems that may look and feel like IBS, but have a different identifiable cause. The following articles provide you with an overview of some of the more common health conditions that may be behind your IBS.

Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO)

Food Allergies and IBS

Fructose Intolerance and IBS

IBS and Sugar Intolerance

IBS and IBD – How do we tell them apart?

IBS and Other Symptoms and Disorders

IBS patients often find themselves dealing with a variety of non-IBS symptoms and other health problems at the same time.

These other symptoms and other illnesses seem to happen to IBS patients at a higher rate than what is seen in the general population. In the quest for further understanding of IBS, researchers have been delving into the questions as to why this might be.

IBS with Other Unrelated Symptoms

IBS and Other Health Problems

Bile Acid Malabsorption and IBS-D

Bladder Problems and IBS

Depression and IBS

Diabetes and IBS

Diverticulosis and IBS

Dysautonomia and IBS

Fibromyalgia and IBS

Gallbladder Problems and IBS

Generalized Anxiety Disorder and IBS

Gluten Sensitivity and IBS

GERD and IBS

Panic Disorder and IBS

Restless Leg Syndrome and IBS

Thyroid Disease and IBS

Daily Life

Quality of life can be tremendously impacted by IBS symptoms. In the past, this impact has been overlooked and minimized by traditional medicine. Things have changed. Researchers have begun to look at the impact of IBS on daily activities, as well as the impact of daily activities on IBS. Here is a sampling of some of this research:

Does Exercise Really Help IBS?

Yoga for IBS

IBS and Children

One of the most challenging parts of parenthood is to see your child in physical distress. Luckily, research has been ongoing in understanding the phenomena of frequent belly-aches in children, formally known as functional abdominal pain (FAP). Information regarding what might cause FAP, as well as how it is best treated, is welcomed by parents looking for a way to ease their children’s suffering.

Acute Abdominal Pain and Constipation in Children

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Abdominal Pain in Children

Hypnotherapy for Abdominal Pain in Children

by Barbara Bolen For Very Well