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What Causes Chronic IBS?
Question: I think I have IBS/ bloated colon that hasn't shunk down. Is it curable/what can I do.
Brief Answer:
Some thoughts:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a "diagnosis of exlusion". That means it should first be evaluated to make sure that it isn't some other problem. For example sometimes people with dairy or gluten intolerances can have symptoms like IBS. Your doctor can check to see if you have Celiac disease with a blood test. IBS like symptoms can also come from gut infections and imbalances of the good gut bacteria after an antibiotic. Sometimes medications can cause bloating and constipation too.
IBS is a syndrome rather than a disease, and many people can have symptoms, learn to control stress and what foods set them off, and not have chronic problems with it. I just talked with a woman with IBS who has not had any problems with it for many years.
People with constipation prone IBS generally benefit from fiber supplements such as Citrucel. However, to tolerate it without increased gas, you have to start with very low amounts and progress slowly.
My suggestion at this point is to go see your doctor to evaluate the bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It's the only way to know what you are dealing with and take action to help it.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Some thoughts:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a "diagnosis of exlusion". That means it should first be evaluated to make sure that it isn't some other problem. For example sometimes people with dairy or gluten intolerances can have symptoms like IBS. Your doctor can check to see if you have Celiac disease with a blood test. IBS like symptoms can also come from gut infections and imbalances of the good gut bacteria after an antibiotic. Sometimes medications can cause bloating and constipation too.
IBS is a syndrome rather than a disease, and many people can have symptoms, learn to control stress and what foods set them off, and not have chronic problems with it. I just talked with a woman with IBS who has not had any problems with it for many years.
People with constipation prone IBS generally benefit from fiber supplements such as Citrucel. However, to tolerate it without increased gas, you have to start with very low amounts and progress slowly.
My suggestion at this point is to go see your doctor to evaluate the bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It's the only way to know what you are dealing with and take action to help it.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. Berger-Dumbaugh,
Clarifying, did you say, 'Diagnosis of exclusion'?
This is for my son and he also has prostatitis, are the two related?
What is the best thing he can do for himself for both these symptoms?
From a food perspective and medications to take.
Would he benefit from anti-inflammatory?
Thank you, Julie
Clarifying, did you say, 'Diagnosis of exclusion'?
This is for my son and he also has prostatitis, are the two related?
What is the best thing he can do for himself for both these symptoms?
From a food perspective and medications to take.
Would he benefit from anti-inflammatory?
Thank you, Julie
Brief Answer:
Some information:
Detailed Answer:
I'm sorry for the typo. Yes, I meant to write diagnosis of exclusion, meaning a doctor should exclude other causes for the symptoms, make sure it is not being caused by something else, before simply labeling it as IBS.
Treatment would be based on what is causing the problem. If no cause is found, then it is usually considered IBS, and there are various medications for this depending on whether the predominant symptoms are constipation or diarrhea.
If he is taking an antibiotic for the prostatitis, a probiotic may help his gut symptoms. You asked if prostatitis and IBS are related - generally not, but an antibiotic for prostatitis could cause gastrointestinal problems.
Antiinflammatories are generally not prescribed for IBS. If there is a lot of cramping, then an antispasmodic can help. If there is a lot of gas, simethicone (such as GasX) may help. However, an NSAID such as ibuprofen may help the prostatitis. Also hot sitz baths may help the prostatitis.
Getting his insomnia and depression and anxiety under control will likely help his gastrointestinal symptoms if it is IBS. An SSRI antidepressant such as Lexapro can help with the anxiety and depression, and the insomnia may resolve because of this. If the predominant problem is insomnia, the antidepressant trazadone, in a low dose, can be helpful.
For the prostatitis, other than NSAIDS and hot baths, treatment depends on the type of prostatitis (chronic, acute bacterial, etc). Here is an article about the different types that may be helpful: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0515/p3015.html
Some information:
Detailed Answer:
I'm sorry for the typo. Yes, I meant to write diagnosis of exclusion, meaning a doctor should exclude other causes for the symptoms, make sure it is not being caused by something else, before simply labeling it as IBS.
Treatment would be based on what is causing the problem. If no cause is found, then it is usually considered IBS, and there are various medications for this depending on whether the predominant symptoms are constipation or diarrhea.
If he is taking an antibiotic for the prostatitis, a probiotic may help his gut symptoms. You asked if prostatitis and IBS are related - generally not, but an antibiotic for prostatitis could cause gastrointestinal problems.
Antiinflammatories are generally not prescribed for IBS. If there is a lot of cramping, then an antispasmodic can help. If there is a lot of gas, simethicone (such as GasX) may help. However, an NSAID such as ibuprofen may help the prostatitis. Also hot sitz baths may help the prostatitis.
Getting his insomnia and depression and anxiety under control will likely help his gastrointestinal symptoms if it is IBS. An SSRI antidepressant such as Lexapro can help with the anxiety and depression, and the insomnia may resolve because of this. If the predominant problem is insomnia, the antidepressant trazadone, in a low dose, can be helpful.
For the prostatitis, other than NSAIDS and hot baths, treatment depends on the type of prostatitis (chronic, acute bacterial, etc). Here is an article about the different types that may be helpful: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0515/p3015.html
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you very much doctor for the information you've been very helpful! : )
Brief Answer:
Good luck to your son.
Detailed Answer:
Your welcome and I hope your son is feeling better soon.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Good luck to your son.
Detailed Answer:
Your welcome and I hope your son is feeling better soon.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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