[28F] Experiencing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

  • Treatment of IBS typically involves lifestyle adjustments, such as changes in diet and regular physical activity.

• Food Intolerance: This occurs when your body cannot properly digest and convert the foods you eat into the necessary nutrients that fuel your system. This can cause a range of symptoms including diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, and brain fog.

  • Treatment typically involves identifying and avoiding foods that cause symptoms.

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): This is a condition where there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. It can lead to malabsorption and a range of digestive symptoms.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to reduce the bacteria, and dietary changes.

• Celiac Disease: This is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia.

  • Treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms or figure out what's going on:

1. Keep a food diary: This can help you and your doctor identify triggers to your symptoms. Note what you eat and when you have symptoms.
2. Try a low FODMAP diet: This is a type of diet that can help people with IBS. It involves avoiding certain types of sugars that are not well absorbed in the gut and can cause bloating and gas.
3. Stay Hydrated: Especially important if you're experiencing diarrhea. Try to drink plenty of fluids, ideally water.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with dietary changes
• If you notice blood in your stool
• If you experience unexplained weight loss
• If you develop a fever (temperature over 100.4°F)

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.