Fig. 2

Clinical characteristics of IBS-D patients in the pain and discomfort groups. A The degree of abdominal pain in the abdominal pain group was more severe than the degree of discomfort in the abdominal discomfort group (t = 3.188, P = 0.002). B and C No significant differences were noted in frequency or duration of abdominal pain/discomfort between the two groups (P > 0.05). D The number of bowel movements during symptom onset in the discomfort group was significantly higher than that in the pain group (t = -2.400, P = 0.024). E and F No significant differences were noted in stool form during symptom onset or IBS-SSS score between the two groups (P > 0.05). Numbers (percentage) are shown in figures B, C, E. **P < 0.01, *P < 0.05. IBS-D, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea; IBS-SSS, IBS symptom severity scale; NS, not significant