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.
