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The role of food allergy or intolerance in IBS isn't fully understood. Research indicates that the microbes in people with IBS might differ from those in healthy people.
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Examples include changes in bacteria, fungi and viruses, which normally reside in the intestines and play a key role in health. People exposed to stressful events, especially in childhood, tend to have more symptoms of IBS. IBS might also be associated with a surplus of bacteria in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth). IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea (gastroenteritis) caused by bacteria or a virus. Poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines can cause your body to overreact to changes that normally occur in the digestive process, resulting in pain, diarrhea or constipation. Abnormalities in the nerves in your digestive system may cause you to experience greater than normal discomfort when your abdomen stretches from gas or stool. Weak intestinal contractions can slow food passage and lead to hard, dry stools. Contractions that are stronger and last longer than normal can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract as they move food through your digestive tract. Factors that appear to play a role include: There are some common triggers that can cause or contribute to episodes of hypervigilance.The precise cause of IBS isn't known. Hypervigilance can worsen other symptoms of the condition, such as paranoia or hallucinations. Schizophrenia can also cause hypervigilance. You may constantly scan the area for perceived threats. PTSD is another common a cause of hypervigilance. If you have social anxiety, you may be hypervigilant in the presence of others, especially new people or people you don’t trust. If you have generalized anxiety disorder, you might be hypervigilant in new situations or environments that you’re unfamiliar with. Hypervigilance can be caused by different mental health conditions: AnxietyĪnxiety is one of the most common causes of hypervigilance. These symptoms can result in social isolation and damaged relationships. If you have severe social anxiety, you may rely on day dreaming or non-participation in events. If you fear assault or danger, for example, you may start carrying a concealed weapon. If you experience recurring hypervigilance, you may start to develop behaviors to calm your anxiety or counteract perceived threats. It can also be difficult for those who experience frequent hypervigilance, like those with PTSD, to sleep well.
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This may be accompanied by rationalization to justify the hypervigilance. Mental symptoms of hypervigilance can include paranoia. You may experience mood swings or outbursts of emotion. You can also become emotionally withdrawn. This may develop into black-and-white thinking in which you find things either absolutely right or absolutely wrong. You may fear judgment from others, or you may judge others extremely harshly. The emotional symptoms of hypervigilance can be severe. These reactions may be violent or hostile in a perceived attempt to defend yourself. If you’re hypervigilant, you may overreact if you hear a loud bang or if you misunderstand a coworker’s statement as rude. Behavioral symptomsīehavioral symptoms include jumpy reflexes and fast, knee-jerk reactions to your environment. Over time, this constant state of alertness can cause fatigue and exhaustion. Physical symptoms may resemble those of anxiety. There are physical, behavioral, emotional, and mental symptoms that can go with hypervigilance: Physical symptoms
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