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Suggest Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Question: I am a 58 year old male who has been having 2 or 3 bowel movements (or paritial movements) almost every day for the last several months. It's not diarahea, as my stools are fairly solid. I had a colonoscopy 4 years ago, with no polyps detected, and am due in another 6 years. My late mother had divirticulitis near the end of her life, as she passed last year at 92. I am taking 2 meds (metoprolol and tambaccor for a-fib, anxiety, and borderline hypertension). I also seem to experience more gas (probably associated with the extra bowel movements), as my mother had with her distended stomach, associated with her digestive disorder. Is this a possible sign of irritable bowel syndrome or symptoms of diverticulousis, or anything to be concerned about? Also, I'm wondering if I should consider taking omazeoprole (or however you spell it) for what seems to be an overactive stomach (excessive photon pump action), although I'm not experiencing heartbearn or indigestion. I just burp fairly frequently.
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms may be due to IBS.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
Your symptoms may be due to irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).
However diverticulitis should also be ruled out because it causes almost same symptoms and it is important due to your age and family history.
You need few investigations like routine hemogram,random blood sugar,stool examination (routine and microscopic) LFT(Liver function test),ultrasound of abdomen,Colonoscopy.Further investigations can be done if needed.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease associated with large intestine and exact etiology is not known.
There is no specific treatment of this disease. It can be controlled by altering diet pattern,psychological therapy and medicines.
You should avoid hot and spicy food.
You should take plenty of fibres in your diet in the form of salad etc.
You should do regular exercise and if there is any stress factor,try to reduce it.
You can also take tablet loperamide SOS.
You should avoid cold drinks and high gas forming vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower.
You may need psychological counselling if needed.
You can take tablet omeprazole 20 mg half hour before food twice daily for six weeks for burping.
In uncomplicated diverticulitis also,treatment are same like taking high fiber diet.
You can consult gastroenterologist if necessary.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My diet has always been fairly healthy: High protein and plenty of fibre. I was wondering if it is possible to be getting TOO much fibre? My stress level has been as low as its ever been, for the past year, since getting over the passing of both parents, and the receiption of a large inheritance. I am "having the time of my life". I started taking lopamide about 2 weeks ago (one 2 m.g. tablet every other or third day) as the symptoms start to worsen, again. I'm still fairly comfortable, overall, as this small amount does alleviate the symptoms. I don't feel any bloating. Is this ok to continue taking the lopamide at this rate, as I wouldn't want to stay on it for more than a week at a time?
Brief Answer:
You can take tablet Loperamide SOS.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing back
You can take tablet Loperamide SOS.
Ultrasound of abdomen should be done for excluding other conditions.
You should also avoid lactose diet.
If symptoms are persistent then you can take psychological thearpy.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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