| Some evidence indicates that the immune system, | | | | too little. It may absorb too much water or too little. |
| which fights infection, is also involved. Irritable Bowel | | | | Research has shown that very mild or hidden (occult) |
| Syndrome symptoms result from the following: The | | | | celiac disease is present in a smaller group of people |
| normal motility of the colon may not work properly. It | | | | with symptoms that mimic Irritable Bowel Syndrome. |
| can be spasmodic or can even stop temporarily. | | | | People with celiac disease cannot digest gluten, which |
| Spasms are sudden strong muscle contractions that | | | | is present in wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats. |
| come and go. | | | | Foods containing gluten are toxic to these people, and |
| The lining of the colon (epithelium), which is affected by | | | | their immune system responds by damaging the small |
| the immune and nervous systems, regulates the | | | | intestine. A blood test can determine whether celiac |
| passage of fluids in and out of the colon. In Irritable | | | | disease is present. (For information about celiac |
| Bowel Syndrome, the epithelium appears to work | | | | disease, see the Celiac Disease fact sheet from the |
| properly. However, fast movement of the colon's | | | | National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney |
| contents can overcome the absorptive capacity of | | | | Diseases (NIDDK).) |
| the colon. The result is too much fluid in the stool. In | | | | The following have been associated with a worsening |
| other patients, colonic movement is too slow, too much | | | | of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms: |
| fluid is absorbed, and constipation develops. | | | | -Large meals |
| The colon responds strongly to stimuli (for example, | | | | -Bloating from gas in the colon |
| foods or stress) that would not bother most people. | | | | -Medicines |
| In people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, stress and | | | | -Wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, or alcohol |
| emotions can strongly affect the colon. It has many | | | | -Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas |
| nerves that connect it to the brain. Like the heart and | | | | -Stress, conflict, or emotional upsets |
| the lungs, the colon is partly controlled by the | | | | Researchers have also found that women with Irritable |
| autonomic nervous system, which has been proven to | | | | Bowel Syndrome may have more symptoms during |
| respond to stress. For example, when you are | | | | their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive |
| frightened, your heart beats faster, your blood | | | | hormones can exacerbate Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
| pressure may go up, or you may gasp. The colon | | | | problems. |
| responds to stress also. It may contract too much or | | | | |