Top 12 IBS Questions and Answers – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Complications

What are the Health Complications of IBS?

IBS does not lead to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, rectal bleeding and cancer of the colon. However, prolonged diarrhea or constipation, the elimination of too many foods and limitation of essential nutrients in their diet can cause health problems. The biggest complication of IBS is the poor quality of life. The moderate to severe abdominal pain can have a severe negative impact on a person’s daily life. Other prominent complications include;

Physical symptoms

• Intolerance to certain foods like bread, wheat, etc.
• Diarrhea/Constipation.
• Hemorrhoids due to constant irritation of the lining of the colon.
• Unexplained weight loss – It is primarily due to poor diet and malabsorption from the intestines.
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies – Malabsorption can also lead to severe micronutrient deficiency that can further cause anemia and jaundice.
• Increased Flatulence.

Psychological Complications

• Stress/Depression.
• Anxiety.