Irritable Bowel Syndrome-IBS and Chronic Diarrhea

There are many reasons for chronic diarrhea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS may be a cause. If find that you are having consistent problems with diarrhea and can’t find a reason, or if your diarrhea isn’t associated with any other symptom, you might want to consider IBS. Knowledge of why your digestive tract is responding the way that it is, and figuring out methods to slow your bowel movements will help alleviate the problem of diarrhea in relation to IBS.

First of all, you should see a doctor and get tested to make sure that your diarrhea is a result of irritable bowl syndrome and is not connected to another problem. Many times, having chronic diarrhea can be associated with simple malabsorption problems, Crohn’s disease or colitis. A doctor’s examination will be able to eliminate any other diseases or conditions from consideration.

Once it’s been established that you do have IBS, diarrhea is not considered part of the equation, unless it’s been present consistently for twelve or more week during a year’s time.

But, I want to stress how important a doctor’s exam is before treating your chronic diarrhea. Another reason for diarrhea is a parasite infection, for example, the parasite giardia lambia. Usually, only people who spend a lot of time outdoors in mountainous areas would come into contact with this parasite, as it is carried by beavers. However, if you live in an area that has beavers, you could come in contact with this parasite during gardening. The giardia lambia parasite breaks up stools before they are completely digested, which causes diarrhea.

Chronic diarrhea may also occur as a result of surgery, such as removal of your bladder. This is why going to the doctor and receiving a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is so important.

Diarrhea, specifically in relation to IBS, can be a result of ingestion of a “trigger food” in your diet. Items such as caffeine and alcohol are known to be trigger foods, which cause your stools to be watery. Sugar substitutes can also trigger diarrhea. So can dairy products, if you are lactose intolerant. Drinking or eating dairy products has caused problems with your digestive tract in the past, having IBS and eating dairy will certainly aggravate diarrhea.

The cure for diarrhea caused by the ingestion of a “trigger food” is simple. Stop eating the food.

Examining your stools could lead to clues as far as what is happening with your system. If you have frequent, abnormal diarrhea (loose movements more than three times a day) it could very possible be irritable bowel syndrome. Distension and bloating of the abdomen is also directly related to diarrhea, and is associated with IBS. Swings between diarrhea and constipation, is also a sign of IBS. But they are also signs of other conditions and diseases and should be subject to a physician’s diagnosis before you decide on a course of treatment.

Finding out whether your chronic diarrhea is associated with irritable bowel syndrome, or finding out that swings between chronic diarrhea and constipations is the leading symptom will help you determine the right course in normalizing your digestive tract. Finding out how to stop chronic diarrhea may be key to treating IBS and moving toward a healthier life.