IBS-D IS A TYPE OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal condition associated with unpredictable bowel movements that can change the way people live their life.

In people with IBS, the lower digestive system doesn’t work quite right, even though there may not be an obvious medical problem.

TYPES OF IBS

An estimated 13.7 million Americans suffer from IBS. In addition to stomach pain, people with IBS experience changes in how often they pass stools and how the stool is formed (or its consistency). There are certain changes in bowel movements that are associated with the 4 different types of IBS:

IBS-D

(diarrhea)

Most of your stools are loose and watery

IBS-D (diarrhea)

Most of your stools are loose and watery

IBS-C

(constipation)

Most of your stools are hard or lumpy

IBS-C (constipation)

Most of your stools are hard or lumpy

IBS-M

(mixed)

Most stools are a combination of diarrhea and constipation

IBS-M (mixed)

Most stools are a combination of diarrhea and constipation

IBS-U

(unclassified)

Bowel changes cannot be placed into 1 of the other 3 groups

IBS-U (unclassified)

Bowel changes cannot be placed into 1 of the other 3 groups

IBS-D IS A MULTI-SYMPTOM CONDITION

People with IBS-D often have multiple symptoms, and while they can change over time, the most common are:

Abdominal Pain

Diarrhea

Bloating

Urgency

Frequent stomach pain like cramping, aching, or sharp pains

Loose or watery stools

Production of excessive gas in the gut

Urgent need to rush to the bathroom

Are your symptoms adding up to IBS-D?

Not an actual patient.

Living with IBS-D now

Dealing with IBS-D can be challenging, nowadays. But you’re not alone. According to a Salix-sponsored survey, many people with IBS said their symptoms either worsened or stayed the same in a 12-month period.

  • Almost half said that their symptoms have been more challenging to manage.
  • 3 out of 4 reported that their symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating have not improved.
  • The majority don’t take any prescription medications to treat their IBS-D.

Want to take the next step? Explore this IBS-D prescription treatment option.

Common IBS-D Myths

MYTH

IBS-D isn’t a real condition.

FACT

IBS-D is absolutely real. You may not be able to tell that someone has IBS-D by looking at them, but it is a very real condition that affects many people.

MYTH

Getting diagnosed or treated involves a lot of tests.

FACT

IBS-D can be diagnosed by symptoms you share with a healthcare provider.

Having more serious symptoms, like bloody stools, may require tests.

MYTH

Only certain diets can help IBS-D symptoms.

FACT

Some people with IBS-D may have food sensitivities and may benefit from eliminating those foods from their diet.

But that's not the only way to help IBS-D symptoms.

MYTH

Only a GI can diagnose IBS-D.

FACT

IBS is actually the 7th most common diagnosis given by primary care physicians.

There is likely no need to go to a GI for a diagnosis!

MYTH

IBS and IBD are the same thing.

FACT

Even though they sound similar and may have similar symptoms, IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are different diagnoses.

Talk to your healthcare provider about all of your symptoms, so they can diagnose you correctly.

MYTH

IBS-D can be cured.

FACT

There is not a known cure for IBS-D. However, each year, about 10% of people will see their symptoms go away.

Discover a treatment option for adults with IBS-D.