There are some risk factors or triggers that aggravate IBS symptoms. These include:
Food. Some people develop aggravated symptoms of pain, cramps and deranged bowel movements after a meal. In some, certain foods like milk and milk products, wheat, barley, rye, alcohol, coffee, tea, colas, sugar and candies and some fruits and vegetables may lead to aggravation of symptoms. The underlying cause may be food allergies but is not clear.
Stress, anxiety, loss of sleep may aggravate IBS symptoms. Sometimes stress and anxiety may be cause for the condition as well.
Hormonal changes: In women symptoms are usually worse during menstrual periods. This raises speculation that changes in blood levels of female sex hormones may be linked to IBS.
