What is a potential complication of untreated irritable bowel syndrome?

Untreated irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to several complications, one of which is severe malnutrition. IBS primarily affects how the intestines handle food and manage digestive processes. Individuals with IBS often experience a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, which can severely impact their quality of life and nutritional intake.

When IBS is not effectively managed, individuals may avoid certain foods that trigger their symptoms, leading to dietary restrictions. Over time, these limitations can hinder the intake of essential nutrients, resulting in malnutrition. This deficiency can manifest in various ways, including weight loss, fatigue, weakened immune function, and a host of other health issues, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of IBS to prevent such outcomes.

In contrast, conditions like kidney stones, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome, while potentially associated with digestive issues or IBS symptoms, do not directly stem from untreated IBS in the same manner that malnutrition does. This makes severe malnutrition the most relevant potential complication of untreated IBS.