Blog

Introduction

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. While IBS is a common condition, affecting around 10-15% of the population, there is still much that is not known about the causes and treatment of the condition. In this article, we will focus on the question of how long IBS diarrhoea lasts, as well as other related questions.

What is IBS Diarrhoea?

IBS diarrhoea is a type of IBS that is characterised by frequent loose or watery stools. People with IBS diarrhoea may also experience urgency, meaning they feel like they need to go to the bathroom immediately, and may also have difficulty controlling their bowel movements. The exact cause of IBS diarrhoea is not known, but it is thought to be related to changes in the way the muscles in the intestine contract and relax, as well as changes in the way the nerves in the gut communicate with the brain.

How can I tell the difference between IBS diarrhoea and diarrhoea caused by other factors?

It can be difficult to distinguish between diarrhoea caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diarrhoea caused by other factors because the symptoms of diarrhoea can be similar regardless of the cause. However, there are a few factors that can help differentiate IBS diarrhoea from other types of diarrhoea:

Frequency and consistency of bowel movements: IBS diarrhoea is often characterised by frequent bowel movements that are loose or watery. Other types of diarrhoea may be less frequent and have a different consistency.

Pain and discomfort: People with IBS diarrhoea may experience abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating, which are less commonly associated with other types of diarrhoea.

Triggers: People with IBS often have specific triggers that can lead to diarrhoea, such as certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes. Other types of diarrhoea may not have a specific trigger or may be caused by an infection or medication.

Duration: Diarrhoea caused by IBS can last for weeks or even months, while other types of diarrhoea may resolve more quickly.

If you are experiencing persistent diarrhoea, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

How Long Does It Take for IBS Diarrhoea to Go Away?

The duration of IBS diarrhoea can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. In general, it is not uncommon for IBS diarrhoea to last for a few days to a week. However, some people may experience symptoms for longer periods of time. If you are experiencing IBS diarrhoea, it is important to stay hydrated and to avoid foods that may exacerbate your symptoms. It is also a good idea to speak with your doctor to discuss treatment options.

For some, episodes may be brief, resolving within a few days, while for others, the symptoms could persist for weeks, significantly impacting daily life and well-being. It’s crucial to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if you notice a persistent change in your condition or if the diarrhoea becomes chronic. Managing IBS effectively often requires a tailored approach, including dietary adjustments, stress management techniques, and possibly medication, to help control and reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhoea episodes.

How Many Times a Day Do You Have Diarrhoea with IBS?

The frequency of diarrhoea with IBS can also vary depending on the individual. Some people may have one or two loose stools per day, while others may have multiple bowel movements throughout the day. In some cases, people with IBS diarrhoea may also experience incontinence, meaning they have accidents or leaks. If you are experiencing frequent diarrhoea or incontinence, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

How Do You Calm Diarrhoea with IBS?

There are several strategies that can help to calm diarrhoea with IBS. One of the most important things is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. It is also a good idea to avoid foods that may trigger your symptoms, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and high-fat foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help to reduce symptoms. In addition, some people find relief from using probiotics, which can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome.

How Long Does IBS Last Generally?

IBS is a chronic condition, which means that it is ongoing and does not have a cure. However, the severity and frequency of symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may have periods of remission where they experience little to no symptoms. In general, it is important to work with your doctor in the first instance to manage your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works for you. Following this working with a functional medicine practitioner can be very beneficial.

How Long Does IBS Flare Last?

IBS flares can vary in duration and severity. Some people may experience short-lived flares that last only a few days, while others may have longer-lasting flares that last for weeks or even months. During an IBS flare, it is important to pay attention to your symptoms and to make any necessary adjustments to your diet or medication regimen.

How Long Does IBS Last After Antibiotics?

In some cases, people may develop IBS after taking antibiotics. This is thought to be related to the way that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut. In general, it is difficult to predict how long IBS symptoms will last after antibiotics, as this can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. However, in most cases, symptoms will gradually improve over time as the gut microbiome recovers.

How to Cure IBS Permanently?

At present, there is no known cure for IBS. There are several treatments and strategies that can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include changes to diet and lifestyle, medications, probiotics, and psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy.

IBS Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for IBS, depending on the severity and type of symptoms. Some people may benefit from changes to diet and lifestyle, such as avoiding trigger foods, increasing fibre intake, and practising stress-reduction techniques. Others may require medications, such as antispasmodics, laxatives, or antidepressants. In addition, some people may find relief from using probiotics, which can help to restore balance to the gut microbiome.

Can IBS Diarrhoea Last for Weeks?

In some cases, IBS diarrhoea may last for several weeks. This can be due to a number of factors, such as stress, changes in diet, or other underlying health conditions. If you are experiencing IBS diarrhoea that lasts for more than a week or two, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

Can IBS Last for Months?

Yes, IBS can last for several months. However, it is important to remember that the severity and frequency of symptoms can vary from person to person, and many people with IBS experience periods of remission where they have little to no symptoms.

Although IBS diarrhoea usually lasts for a few days to a week, some people may experience symptoms for longer periods of time. It is important to work with your doctor to manage symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. By making changes to diet and lifestyle, taking medications, and using other treatment strategies, many people with IBS are able to successfully manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Can IBS last for years?

Yes, IBS can last for years. While some people with IBS experience periods of remission where they have little to no symptoms, others may have persistent symptoms that last for months or even years. The exact duration of IBS can vary from person to person, and may depend on factors such as the severity of symptoms, the individual’s response to treatment, and the presence of other health conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IBS is a chronic digestive disorder that can cause a range of uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Using a functional medicine approach it is often possible to identify the underlying causes of IBS, enabling resolution. There are many treatment options available that can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, probiotics, and psychological therapies. The duration of IBS can vary from person to person, and may depend on a number of factors, including the severity of symptoms, the presence of other health conditions, and the individual’s response to treatment. With the right approach, it is possible to successfully manage symptoms and live a full and satisfying life without IBS.

Author

Reviewed by: Tracey Randell

Tracey Randell is a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist specialising in IBS and other gut-related issues. Tracey is also an IFM Certified Practitioner, so she uses Functional Medicine throughout her work. You can read more about Tracey here and you can read more about IBS Clinics here.