Start with a good diet.
Maintaining a proper diet and avoiding large amounts of food at once may help relieve your symptoms.
What is IBS-D?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea explained
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea, or IBS‑D, is not the same as an occasional stomach issue. It is a condition that is long-lasting (chronic), and that includes frequent episodes of diarrhea as one of the most common symptoms, along with abdominal pain or discomfort.
The symptoms of IBS-D
Symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea are uncomfortable, bothersome, and frustrating. Even when they aren’t present, you never know when they may come back.
IBS-D may be more common than you think
While estimates vary, as many as 16 million adults in the United States may suffer from IBS-D. Contrary to popular belief, IBS-D affects approximately as many men as it does women.
Causes of IBS-D
While food or stress can often trigger IBS-D symptoms, there's more to the story. The exact causes of IBS-D are unclear, but experts believe that a few factors may be involved:
- MUSCLES in the gastrointestinal tract may contract too much
- NERVES in the bowel may not respond as they should
- SIGNALS communicating between the bowel and the brain may be disrupted
If you think you may have IBS-D…
It’s important that you talk with your healthcare provider. It may not be an easy subject to bring up, but you can use the Interactive Doctor Discussion Guide to get a personalized report and to help get the conversation started.
How IBS-D is Diagnosed
Help is available
A diagnosis of IBS-D depends largely on a complete medical history and a physical exam, and often involves a process of ruling out other conditions.
Your primary care provider can determine if you have IBS-D, but he or she may also refer you to a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist has dedicated training in the management of disease of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Gynecologists and proctologists may also diagnose IBS-D or refer you to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
Always consult your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation of your symptoms.
IBS-D is a long-lasting (chronic) condition that includes frequent episodes of diarrhea as one of the most common symptoms, along with abdominal pain.
Be ready: Questions your healthcare provider may ask
Your healthcare provider is likely to ask you a number of questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, such as:
- When did you first notice your symptoms?
- Do your symptoms come and go or stay about the same?
- Does anything seem to trigger your symptoms, such as certain foods or stress?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with a food allergy or with lactose intolerance?
- Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
- What medicines are you taking, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements?
- Do you have any family history of bowel disorders or colon cancer?
Talk to your healthcare provider to see if VIBERZI is right for you
If you have been diagnosed with IBS-D...
The symptoms of IBS-D can be unpredictable. If you feel frustrated that your symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea keep coming back, tell your healthcare provider how IBS-D is affecting you, and ask if VIBERZI is right for you.
If you think you may have IBS-D...
IBS-D is a multisymptom condition. If you have symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea, even if they come and go, be sure to make a list of your symptoms and talk to your healthcare provider to see if you have IBS-D.
If you have IBS-D, VIBERZI may be right for you.
Living with IBS-D
Steps and tips for your IBS-D
The symptoms of IBS-D, like abdominal pain and diarrhea, can be really frustrating to live with. Below are some tips that may help you manage your symptoms, but alone they may not be enough to provide relief.
VIBERZI is a prescription medicine that may help manage IBS-D symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. It’s important that you talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage your IBS-D.
IBS-D Tips
Reduce your stress.
It is important to pay attention to stress levels because they can adversely impact IBS-D symptoms. If your stress levels start to rise, take action with some deep breathing or light meditation.
Track your symptoms.
Using a diary or symptom tracker like MyGIHealth may help you learn what foods or stresses may trigger your symptoms. Then you can work with your healthcare provider to properly adjust your diet or lifestyle.
Exercise regularly.
Daily exercise may help you when you have IBS-D. Talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating exercises into your daily routine.
Understand over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.
Pain relievers and antidiarrheal drugs can help treat symptoms in a pinch, but remember to always tell your healthcare provider if you take OTCs more than occasionally.
Listen carefully to your healthcare provider.
Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options, such as VIBERZI.
Start with a good diet.
Maintaining a proper diet and avoiding large amounts of food at once may help relieve your symptoms.
Reduce your stress.
It is important to pay attention to stress levels because they can adversely impact IBS-D symptoms. If your stress levels start to rise, take action with some deep breathing or light meditation.
Track your symptoms.
Using a diary or symptom tracker like MyGIHealth may help you learn what foods or stresses may trigger your symptoms. Then you can work with your healthcare provider to properly adjust your diet or lifestyle.
Exercise regularly.
Daily exercise may help you when you have IBS-D. Talk to your healthcare provider about incorporating exercises into your daily routine.
Understand over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.
Pain relievers and antidiarrheal drugs can help treat symptoms in a pinch, but remember to always tell your healthcare provider if you take OTCs more than occasionally.
Listen carefully to your healthcare provider.
Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options, such as VIBERZI.