Germs, gas and the gut; the evolving role of the enteric flora in IBS.

Abstract

Gas-related symptoms are common in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though their pathophysiology remains poorly understood, various studies invoking increased gas production, impaired gas transit, and increased sensitivity to gas. Recent evidence suggests a potential role for bacterial overgrowth in some patients with IBS; the study discussed herein provides further support for this concept by describing an amelioration of bloating and flatulence following a short course of the poorly absorbed antibiotic, rifaximin.

• Authors: Eamonn M M Quigley
• Journal: The American journal of gastroenterology (Am J Gastroenterol) Vol. 101 Issue 2 Pg. 334-5 (Feb 2006) ISSN: 0002-9270 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16454839 (Publication Type: Editorial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents
• Rifamycins
• Rifaximin

Topics

• Anti-Infective Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Flatulence (microbiology)
• Humans
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Rifamycins (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Rifaximin
• Risk Factors