OT?: Has anyone tried testing/treatment for bacterial overgrowth?
#304813 - 04/12/07 08:20 PM
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I'm not sure if this is where I should post this question, but here goes. Has anyone read Dr. Pimentel's book that talks about IBS in some cases being caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine? There is information on his research in the "IBS research library" on this site. His dietary advice fits somewhat with Heather's. . . but his initial approach involves breath testing & antibiotics. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the lactulose breath test/antibiotics that he recommends. Thanks!
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It's similar to the lactose intolerance test. you drink something then blow into a container every 20 minutes or so for a few hours. Painless.
Mine showed no bacteria overgrowth at all...so no need to spend money on special antibiotics or anything. Darn, I wish it had shown something to explain my symptoms. At least I would have a remedy!
-------------------- IBS-C with pain and bloat
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Hello, I have tried the protocol Pimentel suggests in his book. I bought the book and offered the idea of taking the antibiotic to my internist (not a tummy doc), and she said it can't hurt to try. She didn't have me go through any of the breath tests because if it worked with the antibiotic then we would know there was an overgrowth of bacteria. The antibiotic is not absorbed (only 10%, I think) into your system, so it can't hurt to try. I tried it for the 10 days, and it did nothing. I think there are certain individuals that it will work for, but it is not for everyone. If your doc is willing, you might want to give it a try. MeiMei
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You can do a Search across all Boards with no time limit for:
SIBO small bacteria
and you should get a fair number of hits on this.
HTH.
-------------------- [Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Thanks for the "heads up" -- there are lots of posts under the searches you recommended. Thanks for your patience Sand, it looks like you've had to answer this same question over & over.
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It's been a hot topic for a while now and I can certainly understand that people would much prefer to have something fixable. Good luck with the test if you decide to go that route.
-------------------- [Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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