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module menu icon 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 suddenly.

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 Loperamide is the first choice of antimotility agent for diarrhoea in people with IBS, according to NICE.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