Irritable bowel syndrome--diarrhoea

Abstract

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder which has been subtyped according to bowel habits. This review presents recommendations for IBS-D which makes up about 1/3 of all patients and which is defined as IBS with loose or watery stools with ≥25% of bowel movements. Because IBS is a complex biopsychosocial illness, treatment cannot and should not be directed only to altered bowel habits. Evidence will be presented for dietary manipulations, probiotics and pharmacotherapies including tricyclic agents, antibiotics, serotonin antagonists and anti-diarrhoeal agents in the management of patients with IBS-D.