Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS With Diarrhea Treatment Options for Chronic Diarrhea and IBS-D Print By Barbara Bolen, PhD | Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Updated December 29, 2016 More in Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS With Diarrhea Causes & Diagnosis Living With Nutrition Symptoms Treatment Support & Coping IBS With Constipation Related Conditions View All Dealing with chronic diarrhea can greatly interfere your ability to enjoy your life. For some people, a simple diet change or a prescription medication can quickly resolve the problem. For others, it may take a variety of approaches in combination before symptom relief is seen. Here you will find a comprehensive review of the various strategies that may be helpful in combating the problem of chronic diarrhea. Although some of these articles have been written about diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D), one cause of chronic diarrhea, much of the information will be applicable regardless of what is causing your condition. Medication Options Tetra Images/Getty Images Although traditionally, medication options for chronic diarrhea and IBS-D have been limited. Fortunately, new medications have come onto the market and others are in the process of development. Here you will find information as to what options are currently available: Medication for Diarrhea Predominant IBSHow Safe is Imodium?Xifaxan for IBS-DViberzi for IBS-D What to Eat? Inti St. Clair/Getty Images Food is often the first place that a person with digestive stress looks to as a solution to the problem. Most of the time, it is not a specific food, but just the act of eating a heavy or fatty meal that is the problem, due to the triggering of the body's natural gastrocolic reflex. However, some foods do have a reputation for being friendlier or more irritating to the GI system. These articles will help you to make healthy choices: Best Things to Eat When You Have DiarrheaFoods to Avoid When You Have DiarrheaHow to Eat When You Have DiarrheaWhat to Eat When Your Diarrhea Is Easing Up If you have been diagnosed with IBS, the following food-related articles will also be of help: Worst IBS Trigger FoodsFoods to Avoid When You Have IBSBest Foods for IBSBest Drinks for IBSIs Your IBS a Food Allergy? Did you know there is a food-based treatment for IBS that can be very effective in reducing symptoms of chronic diarrhea? Learn all about how the low-FODMAP diet can be of help: What Is the Low-FODMAP Diet?How to Follow the Low-FODMAP DietFoods on the Low-FODMAP Diet Over-the-Counter Products Sofie Delauw/Cultura/Getty Images You don't always need a prescription to find a remedy for chronic diarrhea. In fact, for ongoing problems, sometimes a supplement is a safer alternative due to the lowered risk of side effects. However, all products pose some risk, so it is important to be an informed consumer. These articles will help you to see whether supplements might work for you: Calcium for DiarrheaProbiotics for IBSSlippery Elm for IBS Self-Care Strategies Hero Images/Getty Images Treatment doesn't always come in the form of a pill. There are things that you can do to actively calm your body and increase your physical health. Learning to quiet your body is essential when dealing with diarrhea due to the close connection between the GI system and the body's stress response. If pain accompanies your diarrhea, there are also things that you can do to self soothe. The following articles will show you what you can do to help your intestinal system to quiet down. Self-Care Treatment of IBS-DDealing with UrgencyIBS and Relaxation: Turning Off the Alarm SystemHow To Soothe Abdominal Pain Managing Daily Life David Harriman/The Image Bank/Getty Images Modern life is challenging even with a healthy body. Experiencing a disruptive symptom like diarrhea on a regular basis can make the option of staying home by the bathroom an attractive one. That, however, is no way to live. With a little planning, it is possible to manage the needs of your body and lead a full, interesting life. Here's how: Dealing with the Fear of SoilingIBS Survival Kit for Bathroom EmergenciesWhat to Do if You Have Bathroom Accidents The following articles are filled with tips for managing the various aspects of your life while also dealing with disruptive digestive symptoms: Dining Out with IBSTraveling with IBSWorking with IBSGoing to Parties with IBSBack to School with IBS Therapy Options Blend Images - Ned Frisk/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images Sometimes, you just need to call in a pro. Luckily, there are two forms of psychotherapy that have proven to be effective in treating IBS-D. Psychotherapy as a treatment option comes with the added bonus of no pesky side effects. Read these articles to find out if therapy would work for you: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for IBSHypnotherapy for IBS Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! One of the most challenging aspects of having IBS is trying to figure out what's safe to eat. Our recipe guide makes it easier. Sign up and get yours now! 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