Severe Diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Severe Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Symptoms and Treatment

Severe diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a chronic disorder of the intestines that can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, excessive gas, and unpredictable episodes of diarrhoea. The exact cause of IBS-D is not known, although it is believed to be triggered by the brain-gut response to stress. It is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and is more common in women than in men.

The symptoms of IBS-D can vary from person to person and may include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Excessive gas or bloating
• Frequent or urgent need to defecate
• Watery or loose stools
• Mucus in the stool
• Nausea

There is no cure for IBS-D, but there are several treatments available to reduce the symptoms. These include diet modification, medication, and psychological therapy. Diet modification may include avoiding certain foods such as high-fat foods or ones known to cause gastrointestinal distress, and increasing the intake of fiber.

Medication used to treat severe IBS-D includes:

• Antidiarrheal medications: Loperamide (Imodium), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), and rifaximin (Xifaxan)
• Antidepressants: Amitriptyline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, imipramine, and citalopram
• Anti-spasmodic medications: Hyoscyamine, dicyclomine, and propantheline
• Methylnaltrexone (Relistor) - for opioid-induced constipation

In addition to these treatments, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management, and relaxation techniques can also be helpful in managing IBS-D symptoms. Patients may also find relief with natural remedies such as peppermint oil or probiotics.