Sensory and Psychological Changes Associated with Constipation and IBS
Sensory and Psychological Changes Associated with Constipation and IBS
by Danielle Genenz, MS, RDN, LDN, CPT
Changes in the ability to taste and smell food often occurs with advanced age or medical treatments such as chemotherapy. This can lead to compromised eating satisfaction, decreased enjoyment of life, an increased risk for malnutrition and detriments to emotional health. Because these symptoms are not typically investigated in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation, they may be clinically overlooked when reported.
A team of researchers recently published a study linking IBS and constipation with a decline in taste sensitivity, smell perception and emotional health. They recruited 115 patients with functional constipation (FC), 126 with IBS, and 126 without any gastrointestinal symptoms. Validated scientific scales were used to assess degree of lower GI symptoms, taste, smell, anxiety, and depression. Results compared to those without GI symptoms were significantly associated as follows:
- IBS patients had a 71.43% higher rate of taste abnormality, 71.43% higher rate of smell abnormality, 47.62% higher rate of anxiety and 57.14% higher rate of depression.
- FC patients had a 60.87% higher rate of taste abnormality, 65.22% higher rate of smell abnormality, 47.83% higher rate of anxiety and 43.48% higher rate of depression.
While this data is not causative in nature and the sample size was small, there seems to be a significant predominance of taste and smell changes as well as psychological impairments correlated with lower gastrointestinal symptoms. This information may be a tool to better predict and understand the severity of symptoms in IBS and FC patients. Researchers suggested the need for more high-quality studies to guide future clinical practice in this area.
To learn more about treatment options for IBS and constipation, schedule a visit with one of our practitioners today at 224-407-4400 or at www.compgihealth.com.
Reference:
Jie Liu et at. “Subjective Taste and Smell Changes in Conjunction with Anxiety and Depression are Associated with Symptoms in Patients with Functional Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” J. Gastroenterology Research and Practice. Vol. 2021, no. 5791188, Sept. 20, 2021.