Name of the Condition

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D)
• Also known as: Diarrhea-predominant IBS

Summary

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain or discomfort and frequent bouts of diarrhea.

Causes

• The exact cause of IBS-D is unknown, but it may involve a combination of factors such as intestinal motility issues, hypersensitivity to bowel distention, and psychological stress.

Risk Factors

• Family history of IBS
• Stressful life events or mental health issues
• Being younger than 50
• Having a history of gastrointestinal infections

Symptoms

• Frequent loose or watery stools
• Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by bowel movements
• An urgent need to move the bowels
• Bloating or gas

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is often based on symptoms, medical history, and exclusion of other conditions.
• Tests may include stool studies, blood tests, colonoscopy, or lactose intolerance tests to rule out other causes.

Treatment Options

• Dietary changes, such as adopting a low-FODMAP diet
• Medications: antidiarrheal agents, antispasmodic drugs, and certain antidepressants
• Psychological therapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or stress management
• Probiotics may help balance gut bacteria

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• IBS-D is a chronic condition with variable outcomes; symptoms may fluctuate in severity.
• Regular follow-up may be necessary to adjust treatments and manage symptoms effectively.

Complications

• Although IBS-D does not cause severe complications, it can significantly affect quality of life and daily functioning.
• Potential risk of dehydration from severe diarrhea.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoiding trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Regular exercise and stress-reduction techniques
• Adequate hydration and sleep

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Blood in stools or severe dehydration
• Rapid unexplained weight loss
• Symptoms that do not improve with initial treatment

Additional Resources

• International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
• American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the specific diagnosis of IBS with diarrhea is documented, as different types of IBS have distinct codes.
• Confirm accurate and up-to-date patient records; avoid general coding without specifying the IBS subtype as K58.0.