IBS and diarrhoea
IBS and diarrhoea
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) describes a chronic condition that causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.6 Customers with diarrhoea as one of their symptoms may find that they have watery bowel movements and/or they need to go to the toilet urgently.
If you think your customer may have IBS, they should see their GP for a diagnosis before any OTC products can be recommended.
The cause of IBS is unknown but once diagnosed, customers may be able to control some of their symptoms. This includes using OTC medicines and/or prescribed medication and managing their diet/lifestyle to avoid potential triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy/fatty food or stress.6 NICE recommends loperamide as the first choice of antimotility agent for diarrhoea in people with IBS.7
Did you know?
Over 50% of those affected by IBS will experience diarrhoea8
Red flags
Customers with any of the following should see a GP urgently:6
Unexplained
weight loss
Swelling/hard lump in the stomach area
Blood in the stools or passed from the rectum
Pale skin, palpitations, shortness of breath