Korean J Med.  2012 Feb;82(2):164-169.

The Effect of Stress on Gastrointestinal Physiology in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Park J

Abstract

Stress is an acute threat to the homeostasis of an organism by events in the outside world and evokes adaptive responses to preserve the stability of the internal environment. This adaptation can be carried out by means of alterations in HPA axis hormones, the autonomic nervous system, metabolic and immune systems. However, chronic stress can lead to changes in adaptation system and cause a functional disease such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In fact, stress plays an important role in the development and exacerbations of IBS symptoms and it has been postulated that stress have an effect on the pathophysiology of IBS, including an increase in visceral perception, alterations in gastrointestinal motility and increased intestinal permeability. Therefore, Therapeutic approaches targeting stress management could be of great benefit for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Keyword

Stress; Irritable bowel syndrome; Permeability; Motility; Hypersensitivity

MeSH Terms

Autonomic Nervous System
Axis, Cervical Vertebra
Gastrointestinal Motility
Homeostasis
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Immune System
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Permeability