Ask the doctor - digestive health

Treating IBS

I have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and was going to take probiotics, as I've read that they help to restore the bacterial balance in the gut. Is this true and, if so, which one should I take?

IBS is an extremely common problem but the exact cause is not known. Symptoms can vary from person to person but most sufferers experience stomach pain, bloating and bouts of diarrhoea or constipation. Studies show that taking probiotics - live ‘friendly bacteria' -which are found in a number of dairy products such as bio yoghurt - can help to ease the symptoms. Probiotics are thought to aid digestion and boost the absorption of nutrients in food. Look for products containing both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria - two strains that have been linked to improving IBS - and choose one containing the highest concentration of bacteria, such as Yakult or Actimel. Alternatively, try Multibionta's probiotic multivitamin supplement (60 tablets, £6.14 from Boots).

Keep yourself hydrated - drinking plenty of water helps prevent constipation and replaces lost fluid from diarrhoea. Add barley and aloe vera juice to your diet, as both have a soothing effect on the digestive system. Finally, stress is known to exacerbate IBS so relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can help. Find out more from The Gut Trust on 0114 272 3253 or visit www.theguttrust.org
Dr Louise Selby, SHE

 

Steatorrhoea

I’ve been diagnosed with chronic inflammation of my pancreas, and the patient leaflet I’ve been given says I may develop steatorrhoea. What is it and should I be worried?

Steatorrhoea is the medical term for stools that are high in fat. If you have it, your stools tend to be bulky, smelly and hard to flush away. Steatorrhoea can be a feature of chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and conditions such as coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis and malabsorption. Basically, getting steatorrhoea tells you that your body's digestive system isn't absorbing fats properly. Chronic pancreatitis can be caused by gallstones and other problems, as well as by excess alcohol. You have no need to worry as long as you have regular check-ups with your doctor and make sure you take the supplement you'll have been prescribed.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, Good Housekeeping

 

Crohn's disease

I'm a 35-year-old woman, and relatively fit. Recently however, I've been getting terrible stomach aches and diarrhoea, which occasionally is stained with blood. I also feel exhausted all the time. I am so busy at work that I haven't had time to go to my GP. Ten years ago I had a bout of Crohn's disease. Could it have returned?

Yes, Crohn's is a condition that can come back, and you are describing classic symptoms of the disease, which is caused by an inflammation of the gut. However, it's very important that you see your doctor so you can be diagnosed correctly as occasionally these symptoms can be a sign of bowel cancer.
Statistically about one in 1,500 people are affected by Crohn's disease. It can develop at any age but often starts between the years 15 to 40. It affects women more often than men, no-one is quite sure why.
I suspect you're feeling so exhausted because you are anaemic. There are two reasons for this: firstly, you may be losing a significant amount of blood in your motions, and secondly, Crohn's can affect the ileum – the part of the gut that absorbs the vitamins and iron essential for making red blood cells. While awaiting a diagnosis I would suggest you start taking a multivitamin that contains vitamin B12, folate and iron. These are the three essential building blocks needed to combat anaemia. If you're diagnosed with Crohn's your doctor will discuss the various treatments that are available. The common treatment to control symptoms when Crohn's first develops is either a steroid or a 5-aminosalicylate medicine. Both treatments reduce inflammation, but work in different ways. Medication is taken for a few weeks until symptoms clear and then are usually prescribed again each time symptoms flare up. If you are a smoker, giving up cigarettes can reduce the number of flare-ups. Stress is also a trigger for Crohn's so think about trying some relaxation exercises. Also, try taking a probiotic such as Yakult yoghurt or Multibionta. Recent research suggests that probiotics may compete for space in the gut with harmful bacteria, helping to dampen down inflammatory responses.

For further information contact the National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease (NACC) on 0845 130 2233; www.nacc.org.uk
Dr Louise Selby, SHE

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The answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone and are not substitutes for professional medical advice. If you're worried, see your GP. For more information, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk