Can you explain the relationship between stress and IBS?
Chronic stress plays a predominant role in IBS. It's associated with the onset and exacerbation of symptoms. Usually, these are stressors that have been going on for at least six months, rather than just day-to-day type of stressors. Long-term stressors include a history of verbal, physical or particularly sexual abuse, divorce, moving to a different place to live, changing your job. Such chronic stressors may lead to changes in gut motility and gut sensitivity.
Do men and women handle stress differently?
“I think men and women handle stress differently,” says Chang, “and that definitely plays a role in IBS.” These gender differences have to do with a concept called biobehavioral stress that is based on evolution. Men typically have a fight or flight response, while women respond to stress in a more nurturing way. Women internalize the stress because their role in evolution is to protect their offspring, and not necessarily to get up and fight. Their internalized response leads to enhanced pain sensitivity, while men may respond with enhanced gut motility and an increased heart rate.
How does IBS affect people's quality of life?
Typically, people with IBS will have to miss work or school. They won't be able to go to their usual social activities because they have pain, or they have to run to the bathroom. In addition, other aspects of their life can be affected, such as sleep and sexual function, specifically pain with intercourse. IBS also has an impact on emotional and psychological aspects of life.
