Could this be IBS?

  Hello! I have had a problem with my stomach on and off for months. I am 30 years old. Whenever I am nervous or stressed, I get pains and cramps in my mid to lower stomach area on both sides. Sometimes I get loose stools, and lately I've been gettting diarrhea.
  I noticed if I am stressed out too bad and I drink alcohol I will get diarrhea so bad I'll have 6 episodes in an hour until I take an Immodim AD to stop it. If I drink when I'm not stressed or nervous, I'll be fine with the exception of some loose stools the next day.
  I've been taking Immodim AD and sometimes Kaeopectate. The Immodium works so much better.
  Does this sound like IBS? Or, could it be something else?
  Is there something I can do and/or take to stop this diarrhea already? I get so scared when I get it. I always think I'll get dehydrated and end up in the ER. Plus, I know I'm losing minerals, nutrients, etc. when I'm going.
  Thank you!
Dear Angel,
You may very well have irritable bowel syndrome, however,  prior to labeling you with that diagnosis I would want to rule out other causes of diarrhea. It would be important to rule out infectious diarrhea with stool cultures, ova and parasite exam, C. difficile toxin titers and stool for leukocytes (white blood cells). A flexible sigmoidoscopy may be indicated to look for inflammatory changes in the left side of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. Biopsies may be necessary to rule out inflammatory bowel disease and other forms of colitis. A blood test can rule out thyroid disorders as a cause for diarrhea. You may want to carefully analyze your diet to see if any particular foods are worsening your symptoms (for example: coffee and other caffeinated beverages, dairy products, foods containing sorbitol or fructose, alcohol). Immodium AD is a potent anti-diarrheal agent and should be used sparingly. As you mentioned, one of the most important principles in the management of diarrhea is to prevent dehydration. You may want to use an oral rehydration solution to replenish the fluid and electrolytes lost.
On the other hand, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome should not be considered if you have weight loss, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, fever, chills or diarrhea that awakens you from sleep.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
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