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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diarrhea
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D) causes frequent loose stools, cramps, and urgency that disrupt daily life. At GastroDoxs in Houston, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers personalized diagnosis, lifestyle guidance, medications, and advanced therapies for lasting, complete symptom relief.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Sensitive communication between the gut and brain
Psychological stress or anxiety
History of gastrointestinal infections
Food intolerances (especially high-FODMAP foods)
Family history of irritable bowel syndrome
Female gender, particularly under age 50
Signs and Symptoms
Frequent loose or watery stools
Sudden, urgent need to use the bathroom
Abdominal cramps that ease after a bowel movement
Feeling of incomplete evacuation
Bloating and excess gas
Symptom flare-ups often linked to meals or stress
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptom pattern—frequency of loose stools, urgency, epigastric pain, bloating, and any dietary or stress‐related triggers. He also checks for warning signs like weight loss or blood in the stool.
Stool Studies
We analyze stool samples to rule out infections (bacterial, parasitic) and to check for markers of inflammation.
Blood Tests
Routine labs include celiac serologies, thyroid function, complete blood count, and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) to exclude other disorders.
Imaging and Endoscopic Evaluation
Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to exclude structural problems.
Colonoscopy with biopsies to rule out inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis, or malignancy.
Upper endoscopy when epigastric pain suggests gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or other upper GI issues.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Specialized breath tests for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or carbohydrate malabsorption may be ordered when symptoms persist despite initial work-up.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D).
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Personalized meal tracking to identify and reduce high-FODMAP triggers
Guidance on small, regular meals and adequate hydration
Stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or mindfulness
2. Medications
Loperamide for rapid relief of diarrhea
Rifaximin short-course antibiotic to rebalance gut bacteria
Eluxadoline to slow transit time and relieve cramping
Alosetron for women with severe, refractory IBS-D
Low-dose antidepressants to modulate gut-brain signaling
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Therapies
Biofeedback therapy to improve pelvic floor and muscle control
Gut-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for symptom management
Colonoscopy when needed to rule out other conditions and guide ongoing care
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes IBS-D?
IBS-D is driven by overly sensitive nerves in the gut. Stress, certain foods, past infections, and family history can all trigger or worsen symptoms.
How soon will I feel better?
Most people experience relief within two to four weeks after starting a tailored treatment plan of diet, lifestyle changes, and/or medication.
Are the medications safe long-term?
Yes. When prescribed and monitored by a physician, medications for IBS-D—such as loperamide, rifaximin, eluxadoline, or alosetron—are both safe and effective.
Will I need a colonoscopy?
Most patients do not require a colonoscopy unless symptoms are severe, unusual, or if we need to rule out other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Can stress make IBS-D worse?
Absolutely. Stress often aggravates gut sensitivity. Techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce symptom flares.
Is there a cure for IBS-D?
There is no cure, but with the right combination of lifestyle changes, diet modification, and medication, most people manage their symptoms and enjoy a good quality of life.
How is this different from food poisoning or infection?
IBS-D symptoms tend to wax and wane over time without fever or systemic illness, whereas infections or food poisoning are usually short-lived and often accompanied by fever or other signs of acute illness.
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