How Is IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D) Treated?

Q:
How is IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) treated?

A:
People who have IBS-D can often find relief from several types of treatments. You can:

• Make changes to your diet
• Take medication
• Find ways to relieve stress
• Try behavioral therapy or alternative therapy

You may need a few of these approaches at the same time to get relief.

Your Diet

• Avoid chocolate, fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, the artificial sweetener sorbitol and fructose
• Be careful with fiber
• Drink plenty of water every day

Medications

Your doctor may suggest trying OTC diarrhea medicines such as:

• Bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol)
• Loperamide (Imodium)

Different types of prescription drugs may also be recommended  to help your IBS-D:

• Tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline, imipramine (Tofranil)
• Nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor)
• Antidepressant called an SSRI, which includes citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil)
• Drugs that relax muscles, called antispasmodics, such as dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin)

However, the best way to treat IBS-D is to try simple ways to reduce stress and ease IBS symptoms on your own. For example:

• Meditation
• Regular exercise
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating a well-balanced diet

Also, try to do something you enjoy every day. Take a walk, listen to music, soak in a bath, play sports, or read.

Keywords: ibs diarrhea treatment; IBS-D treatment; IBS With Diarrhea treatment.