OpenHealth Q&A

Could This Be IBS or Something Else?

Greetings! I’m a 27-year-old male, standing at 172 cm and of European descent, currently using Iqos. My medical troubles began roughly four months ago, around October 5, 2025. Initially, I experienced intense back pain lasting for two days, which I recognized as kidney stone pain. To alleviate this discomfort, I took NSAIDs, predominantly Metamizole-Natrium. Afterward, I visited urgent care, where I was given Diclofenac and Monural, an antibiotic for urinary tract infections. I took one of each at night. **A couple of days later, I started experiencing several troubling symptoms:** - Frequent diarrhea (4-5 times a day, often watery) - Significant gas and belching - Persistent nausea that greeted me each morning, sometimes relieved by eating - A general sense of malaise - A loss of 5 kg (I dropped from 63 kg) because I lacked appetite, especially under stress. These symptoms developed quickly and intensified through October, fluctuating over time. Blood tests showed no abnormalities, with normal CRP levels. Then in November, I underwent a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. - I had three very small erosions, about 1-2 mm, in the terminal ileum, but no signs of inflammation. Histology revealed no pathological issues, all was well. - There was one small erosion in the sigmoid colon, with minor inflammation around it. Histological findings indicated small infiltration in the lamina propria but no chronic signs, leading to a diagnosis suggesting a high likelihood of infection. - The areas were healing, with fibrin present. The rest of my colon appeared healthy. The doctor attributed the ulcers to NSAID-induced damage. I was later diagnosed with LA-A GERD. Due to my anxiety about health, I spent the month consumed by fears of complications such as colon cancer, PC, or Crohn's disease. I finally found some relief and felt symptom-free for the subsequent two weeks. However, in December the troubles resurfaced, though to a lesser degree, with occasional loose stools—2-3 times for a few days— and lingering gas. My anxiety about Crohn's returned, and I mistakenly took Algopyrin Complex, which triggered additional stress. **In December, my primary worries included:** - Loose stools resembling Bristol type 5-6, mainly occurring once each morning - Excessive gas often felt trapped in my rectum - My weight stabilized at 62 kg **I underwent various tests:** - Negative results for Giardia and E. coli - Negative FIT tests - Negative MRI (everything appeared normal) - Negative MRE (all normal) - Calprotectin level measured at 18.7 - I was found to have low levels of B9 and Vitamin D, with B12 at 320 and LDL at 5.9 **Moving into January:** - I only had one bowel movement each morning, sometimes loose, but mostly firm in the past three weeks (Bristol 4), compared to my usual Bristol 2. - After meals, I often felt gas building in my rectum, sometimes getting stuck before eventually releasing. This gas, thankfully, rarely had an odor. - Mornings have been troublesome, as I needed to pass gas 2-4 times, and in bed at night, I felt bloated with gas movements. **What I have observed:** - No signs of blood in my stools - No pain - No nocturnal symptoms affecting my sleep - No extraintestinal symptoms - My weight has stabilized without additional loss after recovering some weight Overall, I feel fine, yet the worry about my condition persists in my mind. Previously, I would have bowel movements twice weekly, with little to no gas. It baffles me that I often wake up feeling this uncomfortable. My primary concern is whether I should be worried about Crohn's disease (which occupies my thoughts constantly) or if my symptoms might stem solely from anxiety. Currently, I'm taking the following medications and supplements: - Itopride (doctor suggested it for motility issues) - L-Glutamine - Curcumin - A B-complex supplement - Ashwagandha - I briefly tried rifaximin for three days, but it did not yield significant changes. - I had also experimented with antacids previously, though they proved ineffective. Thank you for your assistance in advance!

Answers (1)

2/7/2026, 1:50:34 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're going through a complicated and concerning time with your digestive health, and it's understandable to feel anxious given the range of symptoms and tests you've been through. While your symptoms could align with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or be related to anxiety, there are some identifiable patterns that we can look into together.

Main Points:

1. Symptoms Consistency: Your fluctuating bowel habits, gas, and feelings of discomfort may suggest functional gastrointestinal issues, potentially IBS.
2. Historical Context: NSAID use leading to erosions may have contributed to your initial symptoms, but significant pathological issues have been ruled out.
3. Mental Health Impact: Your anxiety about serious conditions like Crohn's may exacerbate your gastrointestinal symptoms.

Explanation:

• IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. Given that your tests have ruled out inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's disease, and you have no alarming symptoms (like blood in stool), this might point towards IBS.
• The anxiety surrounding your health is also a key element. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact gut health, often worsening symptoms.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Monitor Your Diet: Keep a food diary to identify any trigger foods contributing to gas and diarrhea. Common triggers for IBS include dairy, gluten, and certain high-fiber foods. Gradually eliminate them to see if symptoms improve.

2. Focus on Fiber: Incorporate soluble fibers (like oats, fruits, and legumes) into your diet. These can help regulate bowel movements and relieve symptoms. If you haven't tried it yet, consider a daily fiber supplement, increasing gradually.

3. Hydration and Probiotics: Ensure you're drinking enough water, which can help with digestion. Including probiotics in your regimen can also support gut health. Look for combinations that include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.

4. Stress Management Techniques: Given your anxiety, incorporating relaxation techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive behavioral therapy could help reduce stress and its impact on your gut.

5. Regular Monitoring: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If your condition fluctuates again significantly, revisit your healthcare provider to discuss the possibility of IBS or explore alternative management options.

6. Gradual Medication Review: Consult your healthcare provider to review the necessity and effects of your current medications and supplements, ensuring they're benefitting your health journey.

Lastly, remember you're not alone in this, and many find support through community or counseling. It’s important to follow these steps at a pace comfortable for you and continue seeking reassurance when uncertainties arise.