Confused between ibs and sibo. I wanna confirm which i have actually - #10384
I am confused whether i have ibs or sibo. I am suffering sincemarch 2025 and symptoms are fluctuating. Now my main symptom is stools are not clear. They are semi solid. Some times insuffer diarrhoea and sometimes everything becomes normal without changing any diet. My weight is also reduced by 3 kg and mymusclesbecome some soft.
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Doctors’ responses
Investigation
Lactulose / Glucose Hydrogen Breath Test → To confirm SIBO
Stool Routine & Occult Blood
Celiac Panel (tTG IgA, total IgA)
CBC, ESR/CRP → Rule out inflammatory disorders
Serum B12, D3, Albumin → Check for malabsorption
RX, 1) Tab rifaximin 550 1 tab thrice daily for 2 weeks 2) Tab Drotin Ds 1 tab once daily before food for 2 weeks 3) Tab Darolac 1 cap after lunch for 4 weeks 4) Cap Becosule z 1 cap daily for 30 days
visit nearest physician.
Hello dear Please be aware I think as per clinical history it seems most probably ibs Kindly get following tests done Stomach ultrasound Culture if required Diet modification can bring improvement Take lactulose or yog hurt and avoid vegetables like lady finger and potatoes Share result with general physician for further details Regards
Your fluctuating bowel habits, incomplete stools, and weight loss could indicate IBS, but SIBO is also possible given the unpredictable nature of your symptoms. A breath test for SIBO and stool analysis can help differentiate between the two conditions. Consult a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and a targeted treatment approach.
The weight loss + soft muscle + fluctuating stool without clear trigger strongly point toward a gut flora imbalance, likely SIBO or dysbiosis.
If you want more clarity, do:
CBC, CRP, ESR – rule out inflammation Stool routine + occult blood + calprotectin Breath test (Lactulose/Methane) – if SIBO suspected strongly Thyroid & Vitamin B12/D – as they affect weight & digestion
Try gut reset diet for treatment Like adding probiotic Rice, moong dal, boiled vegetables (bottle gourd, pumpkin, carrot) Jeera, ginger, ajwain water Homemade buttermilk (diluted curd + pinch of hing) Small meals every 3–4 hours
And avoid Milk, wheat, sugar, legumes, raw onion/garlic Apples, mangoes, bananas, soda Oily food, bakery, packaged food
Determining whether you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can be challenging as both conditions can share overlapping symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. However, there are distinguishing features that can help guide the diagnosis. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder often characterized by a pattern of symptoms that include abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits over time. These symptoms can fluctuate and are often influenced by stress, certain foods, or changes in daily routine. On the other hand, SIBO involves an excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine and can result in malabsorption issues, potentially leading to weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.
In your situation, the weight loss and nutrient-related issues like softer muscles lean towards a possible connection with SIBO, but this is not definitive without further testing. Diagnostic options like a lactulose breath test can help identify SIBO, while IBS is generally a diagnosis of exclusion, made after ruling out other conditions. Given the complexity and variability of your symptoms, it’s crucial you consult with a gastroenterologist. They can provide tailored guidance and may recommend specific tests or treatments such as dietary modifications, probiotics, or possibly antibiotics in the case of SIBO. If your symptoms, particularly the weight loss, continue to worsen or if new alarming symptoms like blood in stool or persistent pain occur, seek medical attention promptly. Aim to manage stress and monitor any dietary patterns or specific foods that may trigger symptoms, which can be helpful in managing IBS. Keep track of your symptoms and lifestyle factors, as this information will be valuable during your medical consultations.
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