What Causes Stomach Discomfort And Gas?
IBS
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for contacting HCM. You look like suffering from IBS which is characterised by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits. Usually following investigations are done for excluding other diseases from IBS
Stool microscopy (to exclude infectious conditions)
Blood tests: serological testing of antitransglutaminase for coeliac disease
Abdominal ultrasound (to exclude gallstones and other biliary tract diseases)
Hydrogen breath testing (to exclude fructose and lactose malabsorption
As for over the counter recommendations , intake of fiber especially soluble fiber supplementation (e.g., psyllium/ispagula husk) is effective in IBS
For patients who do not adequately respond to dietary fiber, osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol, lactulose are recommended.
Medications are rarely used for IBS and only in case if the fiber and laxatives don't help. Thank you
Dr. Khan