What causes loose stools. How to identify symptoms of loose bowels. Which treatments are most effective for loose stools. When to see a doctor for loose bowels. How to prevent loose stools through diet and lifestyle changes.

Understanding Loose Stools: Definition and Key Differences

Loose stools refer to bowel movements that are softer than normal, often appearing watery, mushy, or shapeless. They may be accompanied by a strong or foul odor. It’s crucial to distinguish between occasional loose stools and diarrhea. While loose stools can occur from time to time, diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or watery stools, typically three or more times per day.

The primary symptoms of loose stools include:

• Watery stools
• Soft or mushy stools
• Shapeless stools

Additional gastrointestinal symptoms may accompany loose stools, such as:

• Stomach cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

Common Causes of Loose Stools: From Diet to Medical Conditions

Loose stools can be triggered by various factors, ranging from dietary choices to underlying medical conditions. Understanding these causes is essential for effective management and treatment.

Dietary Factors

Certain foods and beverages can contribute to loose stools:

• Coffee (stimulates intestinal muscles)
• Oily and spicy foods (may irritate the stomach)
• Alcohol
• Fructose
• Sugar alcohols

Food Poisoning and Infections

Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause food poisoning, leading to loose stools. Symptoms often include:

• Nausea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications and supplements can cause loose stools:

• Excessive magnesium intake
• Overuse of laxatives
• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy drugs

Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can lead to chronic loose stools:

• Lactose intolerance
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease
• Bile acid malabsorption
• Dumping syndrome

Diagnosing the Root Cause: When to Seek Medical Attention

Identifying the underlying cause of loose stools is crucial for effective treatment. While occasional loose stools may not be a cause for concern, persistent symptoms warrant medical attention.

When should you consult a healthcare professional for loose stools?

• Symptoms persist for more than a few days
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dark urine, dizziness)
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever above 102째F (39째C)

A healthcare provider may recommend various diagnostic tests to determine the cause of loose stools, including:

• Stool sample analysis
• Blood tests
• Hydrogen breath test (for lactose intolerance)
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy (in some cases)

Treatment Approaches: Addressing Loose Stools Effectively

The treatment for loose stools depends on the underlying cause. Here are some general approaches and specific treatments for common causes:

Dietary Modifications

Adjusting your diet can help alleviate loose stools:

• Avoid trigger foods (spicy, oily, or high-fat foods)
• Increase fiber intake gradually
• Stay hydrated with water and clear broths
• Try the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) for short-term relief

Over-the-Counter Medications

Certain OTC medications can provide relief:

• Loperamide (Imodium) for acute diarrhea
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for mild cases
• Probiotics to restore gut flora balance

Treating Specific Conditions

For underlying medical conditions:

• Lactose intolerance: Lactase enzyme supplements or dairy avoidance
• IBS: Antispasmodics, low-FODMAP diet, stress management
• Celiac disease: Strict gluten-free diet
• Bile acid malabsorption: Bile acid sequestrants
• Dumping syndrome: Dietary changes, medications to slow gastric emptying

Prevention Strategies: Maintaining Healthy Bowel Function

Preventing loose stools involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and being mindful of potential triggers. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

Dietary Considerations

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber
• Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Avoid known trigger foods

Food Safety Practices

• Practice proper food hygiene and handling
• Cook foods thoroughly, especially meats
• Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products
• Be cautious when eating out or traveling

Stress Management

• Engage in regular physical activity
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Seek support for managing chronic stress

Natural Remedies: Complementary Approaches to Manage Loose Stools

In addition to conventional treatments, several natural remedies may help alleviate loose stools:

Herbal Teas

• Chamomile tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Peppermint tea: May help soothe digestive discomfort
• Ginger tea: Can reduce nausea and inflammation

Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Probiotics can help restore the balance of gut bacteria, potentially improving stool consistency. Sources include:

• Yogurt with live cultures
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kombucha

Supplements

Certain supplements may support digestive health:

• Psyllium husk: A soluble fiber that can help firm up stools
• L-glutamine: An amino acid that may support intestinal health
• Zinc: May help reduce the duration of diarrhea

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Long-term Management of Bowel Health

Maintaining optimal bowel health requires a holistic approach that extends beyond immediate treatment. Consider these lifestyle adjustments for long-term management:

Regular Exercise

Physical activity can promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Mindful Eating Practices

• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
• Avoid eating while stressed or distracted
• Practice portion control

Establish a Routine

Creating a consistent daily routine can help regulate bowel movements:

• Try to eat meals at regular times
• Set aside time for relaxation and stress relief
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Stay Informed

Keep a food and symptom diary to identify potential triggers and patterns. This information can be valuable when discussing your condition with a healthcare provider.

When to Worry: Red Flags and Complications of Persistent Loose Stools

While occasional loose stools are often harmless, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Be aware of these potential complications and warning signs:

Dehydration

Frequent loose stools can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous if left untreated. Signs of dehydration include:

• Excessive thirst
• Dark urine or decreased urination
• Dry mouth and skin
• Fatigue or dizziness

Malnutrition

Chronic loose stools may interfere with nutrient absorption, potentially leading to malnutrition. Watch for signs such as:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue
• Brittle nails or hair loss

Electrolyte Imbalance

Loose stools can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, which is crucial for various bodily functions. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance may include:

• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Confusion or irritability

Red Flag Symptoms

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever (above 102째F or 39째C)
• Blood in the stool
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Persistent vomiting

By understanding the causes, treatments, and potential complications of loose stools, you can take proactive steps to manage your digestive health effectively. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment, especially if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Loose stools can be caused by certain foods or drinks, as well as several types of infections, medications, or health conditions. Treatment may involve making changes to your diet and addressing the underlying cause.

What are loose stools?

Loose stools are bowel movements that appear softer than normal. They can be watery, mushy, or shapeless. In some cases, they may have a strong or foul odor.

There are many possible causes for loose stools. They frequently happen after eating, but they can also occur throughout the day.

It’s important to understand the difference between loose stools and diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, you’ll also have loose or watery stools. However, if you have loose stools from time to time, it doesn’t mean you have diarrhea.

In order for loose stools to be considered diarrhea, they have to occur repeatedly. If you have loose stools three or more times per day, then it’s diarrhea.

The most common symptoms of loose stools include:

• watery stools
• soft or mushy stools
• shapeless stools

You may also have other gastrointestinal symptoms including:

• stomach cramps
• stomach pain
• nausea

You may have either chronic loose stools or loose stools after eating. It’s important to know the difference between these conditions.

A loose stool after eating is usually not a long-term problem and may be a one-off event. However, chronic loose stools can be an issue for weeks. You can tell if you have chronic loose stools by keeping track of how long the symptoms last.

Loose stools after eating can be an indication of food poisoning, lactose intolerance, or infections. You may also have loose stool after eating if you’re taking too much magnesium or have been drinking too much coffee. Certain foods, such as spicy or oily foods, can also create loose stools.

Chronic loose stools are usually caused by other medical conditions. You may have:

• irritable bowel syndrome
• celiac disease
• ulcerative colitis
• bile acid malabsorption
• dumping syndrome

There are many potential causes of loose stools.

Food and drinks

Some drinks and food can cause loose stools. Coffee is a common cause because it stimulates the intestinal muscles. Oily and spicy foods are also a problem for some people because they can irritate the stomach. These can also cause loose stools:

• alcohol
• fructose
• sugar alcohols

Food poisoning and infections

Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause food poisoning. Loose stools can be the result of inflammation from these infections. You may also have other symptoms such as:

• nausea
• fever
• stomach cramps
• vomiting

Medications and supplements

Certain medications and supplements can cause loose stools. For example, taking too much magnesium can be a problem. Taking too many laxatives can also affect your bowel movements. In addition, drugs such as antibiotics or chemotherapy can cause loose stools, too.

Lactose intolerance

If you have lactose intolerance, then loose stools may be a problem. People with lactose intolerance don’t produce enough lactase, which is an enzyme necessary to break down dairy.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Loose stools and diarrhea are common if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a disorder that affects the large intestine. You may also experience other symptoms such as:

• stomach pain
• gas
• constipation
• bloating
• cramps

Celiac disease

Some people have loose stools because of celiac disease. This is an autoimmune condition that affects the body’s ability to process gluten in food. You may have additional symptoms such as:

• pain
• bloating
• cramping
• constipation
• weight loss
• fatigue
• headaches
• malabsorption

Bile acid malabsorption

Bile acid malabsorption occurs when the body can’t reabsorb the acids from the gallbladder. This leads to irritation and may cause loose stools. Other symptoms of bile acid malabsorption include:

• bloating
• cramps
• pain
• gas

Dumping syndrome

Dumping syndrome is more common among people who have weight loss surgery or gastric surgery. Food can move too fast through the small intestine, so loose stools happen. The other symptoms are:

• stomach cramps or pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• fast heartbeat
• sweating
• feeling flushed
• dizziness
• feeling full after eating a small amount

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation in the digestive system. Some people with UC experience loose stools. They may also have:

• pain
• cramps
• rectal bleeding
• weight loss
• fatigue
• fever

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is another chronic condition that affects the digestive tract. You may have loose stools because of Crohn’s disease. Other symptoms include:

• fatigue
• stomach pain or cramps
• lack of appetite
• gas
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• bloating

Hyperthyroidism

When your thyroid is overactive and makes too much thyroxine hormone, it’s possible to have loose stools. Hyperthyroidism affects metabolism in the body. This condition has other symptoms such as:

• weight loss
• thin skin and hair
• sleep problems
• anxiety
• irritability
• fast heartbeat
• tremors

Dehydration can be a serious problem for people who have watery, loose stools. Make sure you stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.

Malnutrition is another possible complication. Malabsorption of important nutrients can be a problem. You may not be getting enough vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Talk to your doctor about treating malnutrition.

Anyone can have loose stools at some point in their lives. This affects both adults and children of all ages.

However, some people are at a higher risk of having loose stools. If you have certain chronic health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, dumping syndrome, ulcerative colitis, hyperthyroidism, or bile acid malabsorption, then you’re more likely to have loose stools.

In most cases, loose stools are a temporary problem and resolve on their own. However, if your symptoms continue to get worse, and you have chronic loose stools, then it’s time to see a doctor.

See a doctor if you experience:

• chronic loose stools
• weight loss
• bloody diarrhea or stools
• stools that look black or tar-like
• high fever
• severe dehydration
• fast heart rate
• confusion
• dizziness or fainting
• chills
• severe stomach pain and cramps that don’t go away

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Treatments for loose stools can vary. Your doctor may recommend diet changes and increasing your fiber intake. You may also need to take anti-diarrheal medications.

Immediate treatments to stop loose stools include:

• taking anti-diarrheal medications
• consuming more fiber
• staying hydrated
• adding honey to your diet
• avoiding food and drinks that are triggers

Long-term treatments to stop loose stools include:

• taking probiotics, which are available at local grocery stores, pharmacies, and online
• finding and treating medical conditions that cause your loose stools
• adjusting medications and supplements
• making dietary changes

Loose stools can happen after eating, or they can be chronic. They usually look soft, mushy, watery, or shapeless. There are many different causes for loose stools.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and discuss the potential causes and treatment options for loose stools.

Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, and More

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Loose stools can be caused by certain foods or drinks, as well as several types of infections, medications, or health conditions. Treatment may involve making changes to your diet and addressing the underlying cause.

What are loose stools?

Loose stools are bowel movements that appear softer than normal. They can be watery, mushy, or shapeless. In some cases, they may have a strong or foul odor.

There are many possible causes for loose stools. They frequently happen after eating, but they can also occur throughout the day.

It’s important to understand the difference between loose stools and diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, you’ll also have loose or watery stools. However, if you have loose stools from time to time, it doesn’t mean you have diarrhea.

In order for loose stools to be considered diarrhea, they have to occur repeatedly. If you have loose stools three or more times per day, then it’s diarrhea.

The most common symptoms of loose stools include:

• watery stools
• soft or mushy stools
• shapeless stools

You may also have other gastrointestinal symptoms including:

• stomach cramps
• stomach pain
• nausea

You may have either chronic loose stools or loose stools after eating. It’s important to know the difference between these conditions.

A loose stool after eating is usually not a long-term problem and may be a one-off event. However, chronic loose stools can be an issue for weeks. You can tell if you have chronic loose stools by keeping track of how long the symptoms last.

Loose stools after eating can be an indication of food poisoning, lactose intolerance, or infections. You may also have loose stool after eating if you’re taking too much magnesium or have been drinking too much coffee. Certain foods, such as spicy or oily foods, can also create loose stools.

Chronic loose stools are usually caused by other medical conditions. You may have:

• irritable bowel syndrome
• celiac disease
• ulcerative colitis
• bile acid malabsorption
• dumping syndrome

There are many potential causes of loose stools.

Food and drinks

Some drinks and food can cause loose stools. Coffee is a common cause because it stimulates the intestinal muscles. Oily and spicy foods are also a problem for some people because they can irritate the stomach. These can also cause loose stools:

• alcohol
• fructose
• sugar alcohols

Food poisoning and infections

Viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause food poisoning. Loose stools can be the result of inflammation from these infections. You may also have other symptoms such as:

• nausea
• fever
• stomach cramps
• vomiting

Medications and supplements

Certain medications and supplements can cause loose stools. For example, taking too much magnesium can be a problem. Taking too many laxatives can also affect your bowel movements. In addition, drugs such as antibiotics or chemotherapy can cause loose stools, too.

Lactose intolerance

If you have lactose intolerance, then loose stools may be a problem. People with lactose intolerance don’t produce enough lactase, which is an enzyme necessary to break down dairy.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Loose stools and diarrhea are common if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a disorder that affects the large intestine. You may also experience other symptoms such as:

• stomach pain
• gas
• constipation
• bloating
• cramps

Celiac disease

Some people have loose stools because of celiac disease. This is an autoimmune condition that affects the body’s ability to process gluten in food. You may have additional symptoms such as:

• pain
• bloating
• cramping
• constipation
• weight loss
• fatigue
• headaches
• malabsorption

Bile acid malabsorption

Bile acid malabsorption occurs when the body can’t reabsorb the acids from the gallbladder. This leads to irritation and may cause loose stools. Other symptoms of bile acid malabsorption include:

• bloating
• cramps
• pain
• gas

Dumping syndrome

Dumping syndrome is more common among people who have weight loss surgery or gastric surgery. Food can move too fast through the small intestine, so loose stools happen. The other symptoms are:

• stomach cramps or pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• fast heartbeat
• sweating
• feeling flushed
• dizziness
• feeling full after eating a small amount

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation in the digestive system. Some people with UC experience loose stools. They may also have:

• pain
• cramps
• rectal bleeding
• weight loss
• fatigue
• fever

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is another chronic condition that affects the digestive tract. You may have loose stools because of Crohn’s disease. Other symptoms include:

• fatigue
• stomach pain or cramps
• lack of appetite
• gas
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• bloating

Hyperthyroidism

When your thyroid is overactive and makes too much thyroxine hormone, it’s possible to have loose stools. Hyperthyroidism affects metabolism in the body. This condition has other symptoms such as:

• weight loss
• thin skin and hair
• sleep problems
• anxiety
• irritability
• fast heartbeat
• tremors

Dehydration can be a serious problem for people who have watery, loose stools. Make sure you stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.

Malnutrition is another possible complication. Malabsorption of important nutrients can be a problem. You may not be getting enough vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Talk to your doctor about treating malnutrition.

Anyone can have loose stools at some point in their lives. This affects both adults and children of all ages.

However, some people are at a higher risk of having loose stools. If you have certain chronic health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, dumping syndrome, ulcerative colitis, hyperthyroidism, or bile acid malabsorption, then you’re more likely to have loose stools.

In most cases, loose stools are a temporary problem and resolve on their own. However, if your symptoms continue to get worse, and you have chronic loose stools, then it’s time to see a doctor.

See a doctor if you experience:

• chronic loose stools
• weight loss
• bloody diarrhea or stools
• stools that look black or tar-like
• high fever
• severe dehydration
• fast heart rate
• confusion
• dizziness or fainting
• chills
• severe stomach pain and cramps that don’t go away

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Treatments for loose stools can vary. Your doctor may recommend diet changes and increasing your fiber intake. You may also need to take anti-diarrheal medications.

Immediate treatments to stop loose stools include:

• taking anti-diarrheal medications
• consuming more fiber
• staying hydrated
• adding honey to your diet
• avoiding food and drinks that are triggers

Long-term treatments to stop loose stools include:

• taking probiotics, which are available at local grocery stores, pharmacies, and online
• finding and treating medical conditions that cause your loose stools
• adjusting medications and supplements
• making dietary changes

Loose stools can happen after eating, or they can be chronic. They usually look soft, mushy, watery, or shapeless. There are many different causes for loose stools.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and discuss the potential causes and treatment options for loose stools.

Treatment of loose stools in an adult Simferopol Crimea

A normal stool for an adult is once every 1-2 days or twice a day. The defecation process should take place without much stress. After emptying the bowels, the urge stops, a comfortable light state arises. Temporary changes in stool frequency can be caused by changes in diet, lifestyle, or environment. However, in medical practice, a deviation from the norm is the absence of stool for 3 days (constipation) or frequent loose stools more than 3 times a day (diarrhea). What to do in such cases?

Publication about the causes of diarrhea. No need to self-medicate, consult a doctor in a timely manner. The sooner you do this, the less damage to health will bring the disease.

Causes

Diarrhea is a sign of gastric achylia, that is, a failure in the production of hydrochloric acid and enzymes. If such a condition annoys a person for 1-2 days, then it is not considered as a disease. Yes, there was a failure in the body – organic, functional or nervous, but after taking a number of measures, everything returns to normal.

Among the most studied causes of failure:

• food allergy;
• intolerance to milk sugar lactose;
• nervous stress;
• malabsorption – disorders of food digestion and intestinal absorption with the occurrence of chronic osmolar diarrhea;
• infection – intestinal, viral, bacterial;
• excessive or uncontrolled use of laxatives, antibiotics.

Prolonged loose stools in an adult require professional treatment. Especially if diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, blood in the stool. Dysfunction can be caused by: pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, cancer, hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver, gastritis, adrenal dysfunction, metabolic disorders in the kidneys, lack of vitamins in the body.

Symptoms

Loose stools (diarrhea) with the urge to defecate more than three times a day causes discomfort, which may be accompanied by weakness, dizziness. If in a normal stool the water content is from 50 to 80%, then with diarrhea it reaches 95%.

In medical practice, a distinction is made between acute and chronic diarrhea. The causes of acute are foods with allergens, food poisoning, thus manifested intolerance to drugs or food, the ingestion of pathogenic microorganisms, viruses. Loose stools in an adult, which caused the listed reasons, can last up to two weeks.

Chronic diarrhea lasts from 1 month or more. It is caused by laxatives, antibiotics, diseases of the stomach, liver, gallbladder, intestines. In diagnosis, the color and structure of feces is important. An intestinal infection can be recognized by the greenish color of the discharge. If they have a clayey appearance, there is a suspicion of dysfunction of the small intestine.

Treatment

Acute diarrhea is treated with sorbents, drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Chronic diarrhea should be treated comprehensively, affecting the manifestations of the disease and the causes that caused them. The attending physician will offer the patient a scheme of examination, which includes examination, laboratory tests, hardware diagnostics, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of its effectiveness.

Chronic diarrhea requires a detailed study of the diet, state of the nervous system, lifestyle. It is necessary to conduct a blood test, serological tests, check the state of immunity, and analyze feces for infections. Depending on the identified anomalies, the doctor suggests treatment tactics.

At the Femina clinic, experienced doctors will conduct an examination, identify the cause of diarrhea, and offer a treatment plan. Make an appointment by phone or on the website. Be healthy.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease of a functional nature, in which there are:

• Pain, discomfort, bloating;
• Stool disorders: constipation or diarrhea;
• These symptoms have been occurring at least once a week for the last 3 months.

• Pain can have different localization, but most often occurs in the lower abdomen and around the umbilical region.
• Diarrhea is characterized by the presence of semi-formed or liquid stools more than 3 times a day.
• With constipation, the stool, as a rule, is less than 3 times a week, has a dense texture, you have to strain excessively, after defecation there is a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestine, there is a need for manual assistance during defecation. All of these are signs of constipation.

Such symptoms can also be observed in other diseases: celiac disease, lactase deficiency, thyroid disease, various colitis, oncology, giardiasis, acute intestinal infections, diverticulosis of the large intestine, gynecological diseases.

Therefore, irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, which, in some cases, requires a broad diagnosis.

The causes of IBS are not completely understood. Here are some theories:

• Connection with psycho-emotional stress, increased anxiety, psychoses, neuroses.
• Changes in the gut microbiota.
• Disorder of the nervous regulation of the intestine, vegetative disorders.
• Hypersensitivity of the intestinal walls to stretching.

In addition, extraintestinal symptoms may appear: sleep disturbances, headache, back and muscle pain, a feeling of internal trembling, a feeling of incomplete inspiration.

First of all, it is necessary to exclude “anxiety symptoms” in order not to miss a serious organic pathology. ⠀

If the patient has become unmotivated to lose weight, despite the usual lifestyle and diet, if there is a burdened heredity for inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, if there is a constant fever of unknown etiology, anemia, a positive test for occult blood in the feces, age is older 50 years.

In these cases, a particularly thorough examination is necessary.

IBS diagnostic methods:

• Clinical blood test;
• C-reactive protein;
• General analysis of feces;
• Feces for occult blood;
• Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies to exclude whole;
• Determination of thyroid hormones;
• Analysis of feces for calprotectin to diagnose inflammation in the intestine;
• Analysis for intestinal infections;
• Breathing hydrogen test for the diagnosis of SIBO;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
• Fibrogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy;
• Colonoscopy with biopsy.

Extensive list, right? Of course, not all patients need to perform all of these examinations. The volume of diagnostics is determined by the attending physician depending on the specific situation.

How to treat IBS?

When IBS should follow the general principles of proper, balanced nutrition. Eat enough fluids and foods rich in dietary fiber. But there is one “but”. In some patients, the high content of insoluble dietary fiber in the diet can provoke pain and bloating. Dietary fiber is found in cereals, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes. In this case, the increase in these products should be gradual.

To reduce the symptoms of IBS, the FODMAP diet, which limits foods high in fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols, is acceptable. However, its effectiveness and safety have not yet been proven.

Try to eat regularly, in a calm environment, enjoy the process.

Drug therapy:

1. Get rid of pain.

• Antispasmodics come to the rescue: drotaverine, mebeverine, hyoscine butylbromide, pinaverium bromide, trimebutine.
• There are also studies on the positive effects of peppermint oil.
• The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 (found in the probiotic Symbiosis Alflorex) has been shown to be likely effective in reducing pain and bloating in studies.
• In extreme cases, one has to resort to the appointment of NSAIDs and opiates.

2. Constipation is corrected by following a diet high in dietary fiber, if this does not provoke the onset of symptoms. Do not forget about water – 30 ml / kg.
We use laxatives:

• Psyllium is a partially digestible natural dietary fiber. It is sold in health food stores as a dietary supplement (used in cooking, as it has the property of a thickener) and is part of drugs such as Mucofalk and Phytomucil.
• Osmotic laxatives: Duphalac and Forlax.
• The drug that stimulates intestinal motility is prucalopride.
• Lubiprostone and linaclotide are used as second-line therapy, but these drugs are not registered in the Russian Federation.