Individuals who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, may experience significant difficulties because of their symptoms. For those with chronic diarrhea, this can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It is critical for these individuals to manage their symptoms properly to avoid any significant side effects as a result.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system. Unlike other gastrointestinal disorders, IBS does not have a definitive diagnostic test. Instead, other disorders must be ruled out and symptoms matched to the profile for IBS. Symptoms include significant pain in the abdomen, abdominal muscle spasms, bloating, gas and changes in bowel movements, with either constipation or diarrhea predominant. There is a wide range of severity in symptoms, which varies from person to person.
IBS Diarrhea
Some individuals with IBS experience frequent diarrhea. They will experience a persistent need to have a bowel movement, often having difficulty controlling the urge. This typically occurs following a meal, and the other symptoms of the disorder such as pain and cramping may be significantly reduced after having a bowel movement. Treatment for those with predominant diarrhea may include antidiarrheal medications and changes in diet.
Electrolytes
Maintaining a balance of electrolytes in the body is critical to good health. Electrolytes, which include sodium, potassium, phosphate, magnesium and calcium, are minerals that are electrically charged. They reside in the urine, blood and other body fluids. Electrolytes are naturally absorbed through food and drinks. The balance of electrolytes keeps all the body's systems functioning properly. When there is an imbalance, the amount of water available in the body changes as well as the levels of certain minerals, particularly sodium, calcium or potassium. Causes for an imbalance include sweating, kidney problems, vomiting, medications and diarrhea.
Electrolytes and IBS
An imbalance of electrolytes in individuals with IBS would be most likely to occur for those with frequent diarrhea. When experiencing chronic diarrhea, individuals are likely to become dehydrated as they are losing too many fluids and electrolytes in a short period of time. To replace them, drinking fluids like water is helpful, but a drink containing electrolytes is preferable. Electrolyte-enhanced sports drinks or rehydration solutions can help replace electrolytes more quickly. Additionally, fruit juice, vegetables, broth and soups naturally contain electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. It is important to be proactive in replacing fluids, rather than waiting until the body is depleted. This is particularly critical for those with IBS-diarrhea who chronically experience these symptoms. Consultation with a gastroenterologist is recommended.
