Is IBS Hereditary? What to Know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS Recap
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal tract disorder that affects the large intestine. Most patients experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea (IBS D), constipation (constipation predominant IBS or IBS C) or alternating constipation and diarrhea (IBS M). IBS symptoms are unique from Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) where tissue damage and autoimmune markers are found.
The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. While Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not a hereditary condition in the sense that it is not caused by a single gene, there is evidence to suggest that certain genetic factors may increase a person's risk to develop IBS. Research has identified several genes that are associated with IBS cases, including those involved in regulating inflammation, gut motility, and the brain-gut axis.
IBS Genetics and Genetic Risk Factors
Studies have found that individuals with a family history of IBS diagnosis are more likely to develop the condition themselves indicating shared genetic risk. In fact, one study found that the risk of developing IBS D, IBS C and IBS M was twice as high in those with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with the condition. Genetic studies done by the Swedish Research Council found that IBS is transmitted to adoptees from their biological parents but not to a major degree from their adoptive parents indicating increased genetic risk factors for IBS symptoms.
Genetic Susceptibility
However, having a family member with IBS does not necessarily mean that you will also develop the condition. This means that having a family history of IBS diagnosis does not guarantee that you will develop the condition yourself. Environmental factors such as diet, stress, and other lifestyle factors can also contribute to abdominal pain the development of IBS. While genetics may play a role in IBS C, IBS D and IBS M, it is not the only factor. Other risk factors, such as stress, diet, and certain medications, can also contribute to the development of IBS symptoms.
Genetic Component VS Lifestyle
It is our experience that environmental factors largely contribute to triggering Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Low quality diet, food poisoning (PI IBS), high stress, antibiotics, etc. all promote an increased risk of IBS symptoms. These problems change gut microbiota which cause problems all over such as altering serotonin synthesis and decreasing digestive secretions like bile acid synthesis. The end results is bowel dysfunction.
Overall, while there is evidence to suggest that genetics may play a role in the development of IBS, the exact relationship between genetics and the condition is complex and requires future research. If you suspect that you may have IBS, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider or work with us.