Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal ailment in which the muscles of the bowels are either overstimulated or not stimulated enough. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, but the most common two are constipation and diarrhea. Constipation results if the bowels move too slowly, or aren't stimulated enough. Diarrhea occurs when the bowels move too fast. The connection between IBS and diarrhea is basically that, for some sufferers, IBS can cause diarrhea when the bowel is overstimulated.
One of the most common symptoms of IBS is abdominal pain. For people with IBS and diarrhea, this abdominal pain is often a signal to go the bathroom right away, without delay. Usually, going to the bathroom relieves the abdominal discomfort. Having more than three or more bowel movements per day and needing to go to the bathroom right after a meal are common signs of IBS and diarrhea. Bloating in the abdomen is also commonly reported, as are frequent loose stools.
IBS is not a disease, and is not thought to be connected to viruses, bacteria, or any other underlying problem. It is not an imagined problem either, though. IBS and diarrhea can interfere with daily activities like work, commuting, travel and social situations, so finding relief from symptoms can improve quality of life.
Minor changes in eating habits could go a long way toward relieving IBS and diarrhea. Many find that too much fatty food is a reliable trigger of IBS and find relief by avoiding fats. Some people with IBS seem to have trouble digesting sugars, so avoiding food with added sugars like candy, sweets, and soda might help ease symptoms. Fiber might be recommended for those who suffer from constipation, but too much fiber can make problems worse when IBS and diarrhea are the main problems. Try choosing cooked vegetables, as well as oats and apples, which contain soluble fiber.
Other common sense approaches might relieve IBS and diarrhea. Avoid stimulants like coffee and nicotine, which cause the bowel to move faster. Eat meals more slowly, and try spreading smaller meals throughout the day. Stress has negative effects on many systems of the body including the bowels, so manage it with regular exercise or a relaxation technique like deep breathing.
Effective anti-diarrhea medications are available without a prescription. Talk to a medical doctor to develop an IBS treatment plan, and to be assured you can take a drug safely. IBS and diarrhea are not usually associated with other, more serious problems, but ruling them out could reduce any anxiety caused by IBS.