Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Do Probiotics Cause Intestinal Cramps With Loose Bowels And Gas?
Question: I just finished taking a probiotics drink for 12 days. During that time I started experiencing stomach and intestinal cramps with very loose bowels and gas. The last day I took the drink was Thursday, May 29. I am still experiencing cramping and symptoms of diarrhea. The cramps seem to be more intense. Do I need medical attention or will this go away.
Brief Answer:
Symptoms likely to be self limiting
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms,
Probiotic drinks are unlikely to cause any gastrointestinal symptoms.
Your symptoms seem to be those of persistent diarrhea. Usually during persistent diarrhea there may be lactose (milk sugar) intolerance: Gut is not able to digest lactose. Intake of milk products in form of cheese may cause persistent symptoms.
If there is no distension of abdomen and absence of fever and absence of blood in stools then there is no cause for concern. The syptoms are self limiting and will resolve off.
I would also suggest the following which will be helpful
1. Avoid milk and milk product for next one week
2. Antispasmodic: Drotavarine or Hyoscine butyl bromide will help relieve intestinal cramps
3. Simethicone containing antacid will help relieve gas problem
4. Soft diet:
5. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages.
6. Antimotility drug: Loperamide 4 mg one single dose and 2mg after every loose stools ( not exceeding 16 mg in one day) will be helpful in reducing the stool frequency. Do not take it if there is blood in stools.
I hope it was helpful.
Do get back to me if you nee any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Symptoms likely to be self limiting
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms,
Probiotic drinks are unlikely to cause any gastrointestinal symptoms.
Your symptoms seem to be those of persistent diarrhea. Usually during persistent diarrhea there may be lactose (milk sugar) intolerance: Gut is not able to digest lactose. Intake of milk products in form of cheese may cause persistent symptoms.
If there is no distension of abdomen and absence of fever and absence of blood in stools then there is no cause for concern. The syptoms are self limiting and will resolve off.
I would also suggest the following which will be helpful
1. Avoid milk and milk product for next one week
2. Antispasmodic: Drotavarine or Hyoscine butyl bromide will help relieve intestinal cramps
3. Simethicone containing antacid will help relieve gas problem
4. Soft diet:
5. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages.
6. Antimotility drug: Loperamide 4 mg one single dose and 2mg after every loose stools ( not exceeding 16 mg in one day) will be helpful in reducing the stool frequency. Do not take it if there is blood in stools.
I hope it was helpful.
Do get back to me if you nee any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
