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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diarrhea

At GastroDoxs in Houston, our specialized Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diarrhea (IBS-D) treatment program combines personalized dietary guidance, advanced diagnostic techniques and expert compassionate support to help patients regain control of their digestive health right here in the heart of Texas.

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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D)?

IBS-D is a subtype of irritable bowel syndrome characterized by frequent loose or watery stools, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort. It's coded in ICD-10 as K58.0 and sometimes called "spastic colon with diarrhea." While it isn't life-threatening, IBS-D can significantly impact daily life and well-being.

Common Symptoms

People with IBS-D may experience one or more of the following, which can come and go or worsen with stress and certain foods:

  • Loose, urgent, or watery bowel movements
  • Abdominal cramps or pain (often relieved by a bowel movement)
  • Bloating or excess gas
  • A sensation of incomplete evacuation
  • Mucus in the stool

Causes

The precise cause of IBS-D remains unclear, but several factors appear to play a role:

  • Disrupted gut-brain communication leading to hypersensitive bowel nerves
  • An imbalance in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis)
  • Food triggers such as gluten, lactose, or high-FODMAP carbohydrates
  • Emotional stress or anxiety exacerbating gut symptoms
  • A history of gastrointestinal infections (post-infectious IBS)
Treatment

Treatment Options for IBS-D in Houston

Treatment includes dietary strategies, lifestyle support and medical care:

  • Low-FODMAP diet: Reducing fermentable carbs can ease bloating and diarrhea.
  • Fiber adjustments: Soluble fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium) to firm stools; limit insoluble fiber.
  • Hydration support: Drinking plenty of fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.
  • Stress management: Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and regular exercise to calm gut-brain signals.
  • Medications: Loperamide to slow diarrhea; rifaximin to rebalance gut bacteria; eluxadoline or other prescription options based on your symptoms.
  • Natural support: Probiotics, peppermint oil and gentle supplements to soothe the gut.
  • Follow-up care: Ongoing check-ins, nutrition and symptom tracking, and plan adjustments with your Houston gastroenterologist.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

Your path to IBS-D relief starts here. With our patient-centered approach and comprehensive digestive health expertise, GastroDoxs crafts a personalized IBS-D treatment plan just for you. Our board-certified gastroenterologists in Houston provide compassionate care, expert diagnostics, and ongoing support to help you take back control of your digestive health. Book your appointment today and begin your custom IBS-D treatment journey.

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Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 2.8k patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

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Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IBS-D?

IBS-D, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea, is a subtype of IBS marked by frequent loose stools, abdominal cramping, and urgency. The ICD-10 code for IBS-D is K58.0.

How is IBS-D diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on your symptom history and physical exam. We may also use lab tests or imaging to rule out other conditions. The official ICD-10 code we assign is K58.0.

What's the ICD-10 code for IBS without diarrhea?

The code for IBS with constipation predominance is K58.1.

What medications help with IBS-D?

Common IBS-D medications include loperamide to slow diarrhea, eluxadoline to calm bowel movements, and rifaximin to target gut bacteria. Choice depends on your symptoms and response.

Which IBS-D drug is considered the best?

There's no one-size-fits-all. We often start treatment with loperamide and then adjust based on symptom relief and tolerance.

Are there natural remedies for IBS-D?

Yes. Many patients find relief with probiotics, peppermint oil, and a low-FODMAP diet. We can help you identify which approach works best for you.

When should I see a specialist for IBS-D?

If your symptoms persist more than two weeks, or if you experience bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain, you should see a gastroenterologist promptly.

Can stress trigger IBS-D flare-ups?

Absolutely. Stress and anxiety can worsen gut-brain signaling and lead to more frequent or severe IBS-D symptoms. We offer stress-reduction techniques and support.

Is IBS-D curable?

There is currently no cure for IBS-D, but most people achieve good symptom control with a personalized combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and medications.

How do I get the ICD-10 code for work or insurance?

We'll document the appropriate code (K58.0 for IBS-D) in your medical record and provide any needed paperwork for your employer or insurance company.

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