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Suggest Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Question: I have a sensitive stomach (altho not clearly diagnosed IBS) and I tend to fall ill quite often - probably because I eat out very often and probably I cant take too much spice (which is very commonplace in XXXXXXX food). Alternating loose motions and constipation, weakness and feverishness are common symptoms when I fall quite sick. I therefore end up going on a black tea and toast & jam diet for a few days, and if I take too long to get well I end up taking a dose of antibiotics - Norflox TZ typically. Since this happens frequently, I am worried about the drop in efficacy of this tablet. Is there another alternative to this medicine?
Brief Answer:
Few investigations ,management by GE specilast
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
The symptoms mentioned by you are quite suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Diarrhea alternating with constipation are seen in IBS.
Gastric upset with specific kind of food is common.
However, IBS is not caused by infection so antibiotics do not actually treat the disease.
Norflox TZ is an antibiotic and may provide symptomatic relief but treatment cannot be achieved by it.
I am of the opinion that you should get an endoscopy done- especially lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and a stool examination, in case these investigations are not done.
Endoscopy will help to assess the lower gastrointestinal tract whether it is normal or whether any lesion is present.
Stool- routine and microscopy will determine presence or absence of infection in the stool sample.
IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion.
A condition is labelled as IBS when no other cause for the symptoms is detected.
IBS is a chronic disease with waxing and waning course.
In majority of cases IBS is managed symptomatically i.e. symptoms are managed.
You need to consult a gastroenterologist in case you haven't/
In case you have more queries, i will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Few investigations ,management by GE specilast
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
The symptoms mentioned by you are quite suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Diarrhea alternating with constipation are seen in IBS.
Gastric upset with specific kind of food is common.
However, IBS is not caused by infection so antibiotics do not actually treat the disease.
Norflox TZ is an antibiotic and may provide symptomatic relief but treatment cannot be achieved by it.
I am of the opinion that you should get an endoscopy done- especially lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and a stool examination, in case these investigations are not done.
Endoscopy will help to assess the lower gastrointestinal tract whether it is normal or whether any lesion is present.
Stool- routine and microscopy will determine presence or absence of infection in the stool sample.
IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion.
A condition is labelled as IBS when no other cause for the symptoms is detected.
IBS is a chronic disease with waxing and waning course.
In majority of cases IBS is managed symptomatically i.e. symptoms are managed.
You need to consult a gastroenterologist in case you haven't/
In case you have more queries, i will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Dr. Shailaja,
Thanks for your time and for your answer.
First, I have been aware of my IBS symptoms for a while. I also discovered that avoiding extremely spicy food, exercise (which also serves to reduce stress) and passing motions twice (morning and evening) greatly reduces the need for medication for my IBS. I also discovered a few clear triggers like Milk (lactose intolerance), which I avoid. However, if there are long-term effects of continued inconsistency in motions and possible inefficient nutrient absorption, I am not aware of.
But the fact is, because of careful observation, I can see a clear difference between my usual symptoms and my current ones. Furthermore, as my digestive system has been impacted and my controlled diet with minimal fibre I am more than likely to have issues such as constipation and loose motions. Coupled with the feverishness and persistent weakness, I am sure this is more than just IBS or, at least, this is an extreme version of the IBS (possibly due to extensive load on my digestion, of late).
I apologize if I wasnt clear earlier. To rephrase, if this is an infection is there an alternative to Norflox TZ (which i have used earlier quite effectively in similar situations)? If this is an aggravated reaction to my IBS could you suggest a medicine to soothe my stomach/digestive system and propose any alternative diet to the one I am currently following?
P.S. I agree that a more detailed look into my issues would be necessary. I shall visit a Gastroenterologist regarding a possible endoscopy, among other tests, at the earliest.
Thanks for your time and for your answer.
First, I have been aware of my IBS symptoms for a while. I also discovered that avoiding extremely spicy food, exercise (which also serves to reduce stress) and passing motions twice (morning and evening) greatly reduces the need for medication for my IBS. I also discovered a few clear triggers like Milk (lactose intolerance), which I avoid. However, if there are long-term effects of continued inconsistency in motions and possible inefficient nutrient absorption, I am not aware of.
But the fact is, because of careful observation, I can see a clear difference between my usual symptoms and my current ones. Furthermore, as my digestive system has been impacted and my controlled diet with minimal fibre I am more than likely to have issues such as constipation and loose motions. Coupled with the feverishness and persistent weakness, I am sure this is more than just IBS or, at least, this is an extreme version of the IBS (possibly due to extensive load on my digestion, of late).
I apologize if I wasnt clear earlier. To rephrase, if this is an infection is there an alternative to Norflox TZ (which i have used earlier quite effectively in similar situations)? If this is an aggravated reaction to my IBS could you suggest a medicine to soothe my stomach/digestive system and propose any alternative diet to the one I am currently following?
P.S. I agree that a more detailed look into my issues would be necessary. I shall visit a Gastroenterologist regarding a possible endoscopy, among other tests, at the earliest.
Brief Answer:
Norflox TZ-effective antibiotic, use if tolerating
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Norflox TZ is a good antibiotic for infections of the gastrointestinal tract because it covers all major infections.
If you are tolerating it well, there is no need to replace it and no tolerance will develop because I assume that you will be taking the antibiotic as when required.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Norflox TZ-effective antibiotic, use if tolerating
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Norflox TZ is a good antibiotic for infections of the gastrointestinal tract because it covers all major infections.
If you are tolerating it well, there is no need to replace it and no tolerance will develop because I assume that you will be taking the antibiotic as when required.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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