If you have IBS, you may have wondered: “What is actually causing my symptoms?” The answer isn’t always straightforward. Unlike some digestive conditions that have one clear cause, IBS is considered a multifactorial condition, meaning several different factors can contribute to symptoms. IBS is now considered a disorder of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI).

Research suggests that IBS can involve changes in how the gut moves, communicates with the brain, interacts with the immune system, and responds to food and other sensations. Importantly, these factors can vary from person to person.