Can Antibiotics Really Help You With IBS?

What is IBS, and What Causes It?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gut disorder that affects 10–20% of people worldwide. It is marked by gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. The primary cause of IBS is still unclear. Some research shows that an imbalance in gut bacteria may cause IBS.

Some other research suggests that IBS could be the result of the gut becoming more permeable, shifts in the immune system, increased gut sensitivity, and problems with gut motility. In some research, stress has also been linked to cause IBS.

IBS can be with constipation or diarrhoea or alternating between the two.

• If you have IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D), you are likely to experience loose, watery stools. You may also feel strong and urgent need to have a bowel movement, which may be hard to control.
  
• If you have IBS with constipation (IBS-C), you are likely to experience difficulty in passing stool. You may need to push hard to have a bowel movement and might experience cramps. Sometimes, only a small amount or no stool could be experienced.

Which is the Most Common Antibiotic for Ibs, and How Does It Work?

Rifaximin is a semisynthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic. It can kill bacteria in the small intestine and inhibit their growth. It specifically targets and inhibits the enzyme essential for bacterial growth. It also effectively disrupts the reproduction of susceptible bacteria.

Unlike other antibiotics, Rifaximin remains primarily in the gastrointestinal tract without entering the bloodstream significantly. This is the reason it is the only antibiotic used to treat IBS with diarrhoea and traveller’s diarrhoea. While it treats IBS with diarrhoea, it should not be used to treat diarrhoea with bloody stools. Also. Inform your doctor if diarrhoea symptoms worsen or persist after 24 to 48 hours of taking this medication.

Before taking this antibiotic for IBS, inform your doctor if you have active colitis (inflammation of the colon) or liver disease. This antibiotic may worsen the existing conditions. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking medications that affect your immune system or if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin. The concomitant use of these medications with Rifaximin may alter its safety and effectiveness.

Treatment Options for LBS Other Than Antibiotics

Your doctor might prescribe other antisecretory and antispasm agents, anti-anxiety medications, laxatives and probiotics to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea. They can be used alone or in combination, depending on the severity of the condition. Some commonly prescribed ones include:

• Clidinium: It helps reduce gastrointestinal spasms. It blocks certain receptors in the digestive system that help to relieve cramping and pain. Clidinium also reduces stomach acid production and can aid in managing peptic ulcers.
• Dicyclomine: It is also an antispasmodics agent. It relaxes the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract to alleviate abdominal pain, cramps, and spasms.
• Chlordiazepoxide: It has anxiety-reducing, sedative, and muscle-relaxant properties. A low dose of this medication helps alleviate anxiety associated with gastrointestinal problems.
• Probiotics: Probiotics, including saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. It reduces the growth of harmful bacteria or yeast and promotes the growth of good microorganisms. It improves bowel movements, reduces diarrhoea, and alleviates gastrointestinal discomfort. Other probiotics, such as yoghurt, can be considered in diet to improve IBS symptoms.
• Lubiprostone: It is laxative used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. It reduces stomach pain, bloating, and straining. It promotes softer and more frequent bowel movements during constipation. It increases the fluid flow into the bowel and allows the stool to pass more easily.
• Eluxadoline: It is the medication used to treat IBS with diarrhoea. It works by decreasing bowel activity and reducing IBS symptoms with diarrhoea.
• Rehydrating solutions or ORS: Oral rehydration solution or salts (ORS) help balance the water and electrolytes lost in the diarrhoea. It can be given to both children and adults during diarrhoea.
  Order medicines online on medicine delivery app. Get the best substitutes suitable for your condition. Also, avail expert guidance from doctors on diet and medications for IBS management. You can also use the healthcare tips app to get useful tips for managing IBS.

Foods to Include for IBS

To help manage IBS, stay away from spicy and fried foods. Instead, focus on a diet with plenty of fibre and potassium to make your stools normal.
Here's a list of foods you can include in your diet during IBS:

• Psyllium husk
• Bananas
• Oatmeal
• White rice or rice water
• Applesauce or apple juice
• White bread
• Coconut water
• Fruit juices
• Chicken broth
• Potatoes
• Yoghurt

Takeaway

If you are constantly experiencing bloating, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, you may be having Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It may be due to an imbalance in gut bacteria, increased gut sensitivity, and stress. IBS can be diarrhoea-predominant (IBS-D) or constipation-predominant (IBS-C). Your doctor may prescribe Rifaximin with other medications to reduce IBS symptoms. It is the only antibiotic that is safe for IBS with diarrhoea.

However, informing your doctor of any prescription medications and your medical condition before initiating the treatment is important. Besides, dietary adjustments involving fibre and potassium-rich foods may help reduce IBS symptoms.