HomeAnswersInternal Medicineirritable bowel syndromeI was diagnosed with IBS many years back. How to get rid of its symptoms?

I was diagnosed with IBS many years back. How to get rid of its symptoms?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At May 8, 2017
Reviewed AtNovember 30, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 42 year old male, who weighs 210 lbs, and I am 5.11 feet tall. I have been having severe digestive and related symptoms for quite some time. I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago, but I would like a second opinion. My symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, headache, loud digestive noises, cramping, bloating, and food intolerances. I have been gluten-free and dairy-free for many years. I eat very healthy food with lots of fresh vegetables and meats, not a lot of processed foods, very little sugar, rarely coffee or tea, and drink mostly water. These symptoms would come and go throughout my life. The older I get, the worse the symptoms become. Now I am sick all the time and can barely function. All I want to do is sleep. I went to the ER last night and explained the symptoms and medical history, so the doctor did some tests, the reports of which I am attaching. I received IV fluids and was discharged. The doctor stated that my lab results were "benign." I went over my results, and they do not appear "benign" to me, so I would like a second opinion. Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • I have gone through your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity), they are fine except some neutrophilia, which is indicative of some inflammation or infection somewhere. Overall, it is fine. Do you have any fever or burning while urination?
    • There is a possibility of gastritis and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Firstly, you have some dietary modifications like regular meal patterns, reduced intake of fat, insoluble fibers, caffeine, and gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, and onions.
      • For the treatment of IBS and neutrophilia, I suggest you try the following.
        1. A course of antibiotic Rifaximin 550 mg three times daily for 14 days.
        2. You should avoid fatty, oily, and spicy diet.
        3. Go for a walk after having food, instead of taking rest.
        4. Take multiple small meals instead of heavy meals.
        5. Have regular sleep habits and avoid stress.
        6. Try taking an antacid like tablet Pan (Pantoprazole) DSR 40 mg or Esomeprazole and Domperidone combination before breakfast once a day for three weeks.
        7. Tablet Amitriptyline 10 mg at bedtime, for few weeks. This is helpful in reducing diarrhea, pain, etc.
        8. For immediate pain relief, you can try antispasmodic like tablet Dicyclomine 20 or Hyoscyamine 10 mg whenever needed up to three times a day, or sustained release Hyoscyamine 0.375 to 0.75 mg orally every 12 hours.
        9. Also, if diarrhea is troublesome, then try taking tablet Loperamide 2 mg, 45 minutes before a meal on regularly scheduled doses.
        10. Regular physical activities are very important.
        11. Try to lose some weight.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for responding. I have had a low-grade fever, but no burning on urination. I have actually tried most of the things you have suggested. I did several cycles of different proton pump inhibitors, starting with Zantac but later tried Nexium, Prilosec, and Aciphex, which do not seem to work. Also, I did two courses of Xifaxan (Rifaximin), and it did seem to work but only temporarily. I did that after my GI performed hydrogen breath test and found bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. I have never tried Rifaximin (Elavil), but it was suggested by my GP. I have used Rifaximin (Imodium) but was warned against using it too often, so I only use it occasionally if diarrhea persists for several days or more. Kaopectate seems to work just as well and seems safer, am I correct? I have had these symptoms for 30 years, and they are becoming more persistent and severe, with the new symptom of noisy rumbling and excessive gas I never had before. I have changed my diet and eating habits, so many times, and there is nothing left to try. I have also had many other tests done; parasites, tumor markers, which were all negative. The ultrasound of liver and gallbladder years ago revealed fatty liver, which subsided on its own after eliminating high fructose corn syrup from my diet and cutting back sugar intake. Is it possible I have diverticulitis? My next step is endoscopy or colonoscopy, would you suggest that? I have an appointment with my GI doctor. Once again, thank you for responding.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • I think you need to try antidepressants like Amitriptyline, which I mentioned in previous posts, even if you do not have depression symptoms, which are quite effective. 
  • Since you are helped by Kaopectate, you can also have syrup Gelusil or Sucral O (combination of Sucralfate and Oxetacaine), two teaspoons three times a day.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Cardiology

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