Diarrhea and IBS: How to Ease Symptoms


IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome. It can be defined as a health disorder that targets the stomach and intestines. Some symptoms of an IBS include cramps, pain in the abdominal region, constipation, and bloating. IBS is a common disorder that generally does not get severe and may get regular over a period.

People can readily manage the symptoms by using straightforward measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well, and creating an atmosphere free of stress. It is recommended that those suffering from severe IBS disorder symptoms seek treatment with medication and therapy to find a solution. Loss of weight, frequent vomiting, bleeding from the rectal region, and various other symptoms indicate that the individual suffers from severe IBS.

A variety of reasons can cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Despite this, the precise reason for it is yet to be clarified. The contraction of muscles in the intestines for an extended period, poor coordination of brain impulses with the intestines, an infection caused by bacteria or viruses, and stress are all examples of these and other contributing causes. Several other variables can also increase a person's risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. Age, gender, genetic background, anxiety, and depression can also lead to this disorder.

Diarrhea is when a person frequently experiences loose and watery bowel movements. Diarrhea alone lasts only a couple of days, but in the case of this common disorder, it lasts for a few weeks. It indicates that the person is going through another illness, especially IBS. Specific symptoms that indicate a person is experiencing diarrhea include pain in the abdominal regions, cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and blood or mucus in the stool. Suppose a person's condition does not improve after 2 days, or he feels dehydrated or has severe pain in the abdominal and rectal region, he should consult his doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Causes of Diarrhea

There are many causes of diarrhea since it is a common disorder. Some of these causes include viruses, bacteria, or parasites in the person's body, a side-effect of medication consumption, fructose sugar, and a digestive disorder like Crohn's disease. A person should immediately contact his doctor or healthcare provider if he has severe dehydration. Diarrhea can also be managed by following some easy and simple solutions, such as temporarily drinking enough water and switching to a diet of bananas, white rice, applesauce, and white bread toast. A person should also avoid consuming food and drink products containing caffeine as it can worsen the condition.

Methods to Manage IBS and Diarrhea

There are many methods by which a person can control his condition of IBS and diarrhea. A person should exercise these methods as soon as possible since these disorders interrupt the person's routine activities multiple times a day. In the following article, 6 methods or ways are discussed in detail to manage IBS or diarrhea

Fiber Consumption − A person suffering from IBS or diarrhea should consume food and drink items with high levels of fiber since fiber can significantly help to control IBS and diarrhea. A person can increase fiber levels using medicated supplements or powder mixtures. According to a study, it is found that a person who suffers from diarrhea that is caused mainly by stress can be significantly controlled by consuming fiber.

Consuming Antidiarrheal − A person can consume a common over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication to treat his stomach to prevent diarrhea and settle down his stomach when he is nervous about going through a stressful situation soon. One can consult his doctor or healthcare provider to determine which antidiarrheal medication is the most suitable for his body.

Stress Management − Since stress is a part of routine life and is inevitable, a person should exercise specific methods to manage it. The simplest way to relieve any excess stress and relax is to exercise. The most common types of exercises include meditation, yoga, walking, running, and swimming.

Medications − A person can consult his doctor or healthcare provider to maintain his medication since specific medication, such as antidepressants or antispasmodic medication, can also cause diarrhea as a common side effect. The person should then move to temporarily stop consuming this medication until his symptoms of IBS and diarrhea are no longer present in his body.

Practicing Therapy − Therapy is greatly helpful in easing the symptoms of IBS and diarrhea in many people. The most effective forms of therapy include Hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapy is generally focused on helping people to control their fear and changing their mindset concerning their way of thinking about their diseases and illness.

Healthy Diet − A person should focus on temporarily switching to a diet that contains bulk-type food items such as bread, rice, or bananas. A diet like this can significantly help the person control and ease his symptoms of diarrhea. A person should also avoid dairy products or any food products that trigger the symptoms of diarrhea in the human body. Standard food products include chocolate, carbonated drinks, fried food products, and artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol. One should also monitor his food intake and look for specific food items that can trigger the symptoms of IBS diarrhea.

Conclusion

It is often believed that IBS disorder can cause or increase the risk of developing colon cancer. However, it is not valid, and there is no proof for this claim. There is no prevention for IBS disorder, but the symptoms can easily be managed by making a few changes in lifestyle and eating habits. IBS disorder does not increase the risk of developing Crohn's disease or colitis. One should also note that resolving this type of disorder takes time and that he should not give up halfway. One should try various combinations of the above-discussed methods, find out which combination works best for his body system, and resolve this disorder as soon as possible. In case of severe symptoms, one must consult an expert and follow the treatment advised.

Updated on: 14-Feb-2023

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