[37F] Experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and 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 long-term strategies to manage symptoms, including dietary adjustments, medication, and stress management.
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Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): This condition occurs when bacteria that usually grow in other parts of the gut start growing in the small intestine. It typically causes pain and diarrhea, but can also cause constipation.
- Treatment of SIBO typically involves antibiotics to reduce the bacteria in your small intestine. Your doctor may also recommend changes to your diet.
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Lactose Intolerance: This is a common condition that can start at various ages. People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk, leading to diarrhea, gas, and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products.
- Treatment of lactose intolerance involves managing symptoms, usually by limiting or avoiding dairy products. Some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of dairy.
What you can do
- Try to identify any food triggers that may be causing your symptoms. You can do this by keeping a food diary and noting when your symptoms occur.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially on days when you have diarrhea.
- Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.
- Regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of IBS and constipation.
- Over-the-counter medications like simethicone can help relieve symptoms of gas.
What you should look out for
- If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, you should seek medical attention.
- If you notice blood in your stool, have unintentional weight loss, or experience severe pain, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.
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9 mo ago