A member asked:

Is diarrhea a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome?

23 doctors weighed in across 12 answers

Yes: Diarrhea is a frequent symptom of ibs. There are 3 different types of ibs, 1) diarrhea predominant 2) constipation predominant and 3) alternating. However, diarrhea can also be seen in other conditions including celiac sprue, aids and crohns.

Answered 12/16/2018

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Yes: Diarrhea is a common symptom, as is constipation, or alternating constipation and diarrhea. But, this is a diagnosis of exclusion, and other causes should be ruled out first.

Answered 3/30/2016

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Dr. Latisha Smith answered

Specializes in Wound care

Yes: Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by both frequent stools and constipation, along with abdominal cramping. When diarrhea is the sole symptom of bowel dysfunction it is important to look for other problems such as malabsorption or colitis. The treatment of the diarrhea is irritable bowel is different from that used in colitis so it is important to differentiate the 2 conditions.

Answered 7/1/2015

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Yes: Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain can all be symptoms of irritable bowel. Of course this does not mean that all people who have any of these symptom occasionally have irritable bowel. It is also important to note that other diseases can cause these issues. Please consult with your doctor if you have any or all of these symptoms for more than a week.

Answered 8/4/2015

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Yes: It can be, but so can constipation, or alternating between the two conditions. If this is something new for a patient, then other causes need to looked for, such as an infection, intolerance to a food or additive, like sorbitol in non sugared gum, or more serious conditions like inflammation in the colon.

Answered 10/12/2013

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Yes: Yes, it is. Constipation is also common, and can alternate with the diarrhea. Some people have more of one than the other. Regardless of the type, these are symptoms of an underlying issue that effects the ability of the bowel to regulate properly. Common causes are gut dysbiosis (infections), food allergies, and neurotransmitter disruption.

Answered 10/12/2013

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Yes: There are two types of ibs, ibs-c and ibs-d, the c stands for constipation and the d is for diarrhea. Each is related to what it causes for the patient.

Answered 7/5/2012

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Yes: Diarrhea happens with ibs. There exists a diarrhea-predominant form of ibs. As well, there exists a "no holds barred" type of IBS with diarrhea, constipation and bloating.

Answered 1/15/2015

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Yes: Diarrhea, bloating, intestinal cramping and sudden urge to deficate are common symptoms of ibs. Constipation can also be a symptom though. It also important to realize that there are many other causes of diarrhea besides IBS that need to be ruled out.

Answered 5/30/2016

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Yes: Clinically IBS includes loose stools usually after meals and in am alternating with constipation. Weight loss, rectal bleeding, onset after age 50, fever, or nocturnal pain are not typical with IBS and other more serious conditions should be ruled out.

Answered 11/28/2015

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Yes: Other common symptoms are constipation, bloating, and abdominal cramping. Patients frequently only have some of these symptoms.

Answered 1/19/2012

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Dr. Michael Rothman answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Absolutely: Irritable bowel syndrome is the multifactorial consequence of hormonal, immune system and nervous system dysfunction resulting from genetic predispositions and dietary and environmental insults. The predominant symptoms like diarrhea cramps constipation are the result of autonomic nervous system instability. Pts like you may benefit from a metabolically directed approach check out mdwellnessmd.Com.

Answered 12/10/2013

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