Ongoing Diarrhea and Weight Loss Post H. Pylori Treatment
Greetings, medical professionals, I’m a young male experiencing significant digestive difficulties for the last three months subsequent to a two-week course of triple therapy for H. pylori, which involved two antibiotics alongside a proton pump inhibitor. Shortly after completing this treatment, I began encountering multiple troubling symptoms including: - Consistent diarrhea, characterized sometimes by greasy or loose stools, - Noticeable decrease in weight, - Indications of malabsorption, - Occasional mild abdominal pain. A stool analysis I underwent revealed: - High levels of undigested food: +++ - Presence of bacteria: +++ - White blood cells in stool: 15-17 per high power field (hpf) - Absence of parasites. Subsequently, I was prescribed Rifaximin (Xifaxan) for a duration of 10 days, taking it twice daily. This only resulted in slight improvement of my condition. At this moment, I’m using digestive enzymes and probiotics; however, my symptoms continue to persist. What could be the most probable cause behind these ongoing issues? Is it possible that I am experiencing post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or an imbalance in gut flora (dysbiosis)? Should I consider further examinations such as a stool culture or calprotectin test? Any insights or guidance you could provide would be immensely valuable.
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 2:50:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing some challenging digestive issues following your H. pylori treatment, including ongoing diarrhea, weight loss, and digestive discomfort. Your symptoms may suggest several possible underlying concerns, such as post-infectious IBS, SIBO, or dysbiosis, but understanding this requires a thorough assessment. Let’s break down some key points and actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Potential Causes: Your symptoms could indeed stem from post-infectious IBS, SIBO, or an imbalance in gut bacteria due to the antibiotics. The stool analysis with undigested food and bacteria suggests malabsorption.
- Next Steps: Monitoring symptoms, dietary adjustments, and potentially further testing could provide valuable insights into your condition.
Explanation:
- Post-Infectious IBS occurs after an infection and can lead to ongoing digestive issues, including diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
- SIBO happens when too many bacteria grow in the small intestine, affecting digestion and absorption, which aligns with your greasy diarrhea.
- Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance of gut bacteria that can also contribute to digestive symptoms.
Given the high levels of undigested food and the presence of bacteria in your stool, these factors can help guide your next steps.
Actionable Steps:
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Elimination Diet: Start with a simple elimination diet to see if certain foods worsen your symptoms. Common culprits include lactose (in dairy) and high-FODMAP foods (like onions, garlic, and beans).
- Focus on Hydration and Nutrient-Dense Foods: Ensure you’re drinking enough water and eating foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
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Monitoring Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary. Record your food intake, symptom severity, and bowel movements to identify patterns and triggers.
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Consider Further Testing:
- Stool Culture or Calprotectin Test: These tests can provide insight into inflammation or infection that might be contributing to your symptoms. You can discuss this with a healthcare provider, as they might recommend these based on your ongoing issues.
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Continue Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes:
- Stick with your current probiotics and digestive enzymes to help restore balance in your gut flora.
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Follow Up on Symptoms:
- If symptoms worsen or you experience severe pain, fever, or additional concerning symptoms, it's essential to seek further medical evaluation.
Through these steps, you can begin to address your symptoms systematically while gathering information that may pinpoint the underlying issue. Remember that you’re not alone in this, and it’s a process to find the right approach that works for your digestive health. If you have any more questions or need clarification, feel free to ask.
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