candida overgrowth vs IBS

Dr. Pho,

Thank you for answering my questions earlier about candida overgrowth and IBS. Is candida overgrowth what they generally refer to as intestinal flora imbalance? What would you consider to be more serious and harmful to the person - candidate overgrowth or IBS? Maybe I'm worrying and stressing too much about yeast overgrowth than I really should be. I've read that yeast can spread to other parts of your body and might become more serious if it spreads to esophagus or becomes systemic. Is that really the case or maybe I'm worrying too much and it really isn't that bad?

Thank you very much once again.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Intestinal flora imbalance refers more to bacterial overgrowth, or an imbalance between the "good" and "bad" bacteria within the gut.  

Regarding Candida overgrowth and IBS, neither disease is life-threatening to my knowledge, and can be managed with either antifungal treatment or a variety of antispasmodic agents or increased fiber respectively.  

Again, there is significant controversy surrounding the role of yeast in GI symptoms, and there is no consensus data supporting removal of yeast, or looking for it in the first place, can improve GI symptoms.

These questions can be discussed with your GI physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd