Uncontrollable Flatuence and Occasional Rash

[gasnrash]

I am a 24 F with excessive flatuence since Aug06.Prior to, I was 2 months into an antibiotic medication for acne. After I have gas and occasional diarrhia, I stopped taking the antibiotic. First the doctor thought I was infected and gave me flagyl. It did not help. Then, I saw a gastroenrologist and took a breath test. The result: I have bacteria overgrowth. I took Rifaximin then Zelnorm twice a day for 3 months with Flora Q. When Zelnorm was discontinued, I took Amitiza twice a day instead. I am still dealing with uncontrollable gas. Is this common for IBS? Sometimes I have hard stool, and sometimes have diarrhea. Last month or so I dealt with having to urinate too frequently, but it went away. Around the same time that excessive gas started, I also have rash on stomach and lower back. The small& big patch like itchy rashes would occur once a day, twice, or every other day but mostly at night. There are spots on the body, and last a few hours. Right now, I also have the same kind of rash on my neck or face especially when I am stressing out. Many times the rash looks like 1-2" streak. A dermatologist overseas gave Roxithromycin and Ketoconazole while I was on a trip, but didn't help.I also saw a neurologist last week. He said it is not related my nerve. Is IBS and rash related? Could it be HIV? July06, I had a protected sex, but I do not know if something went wrong and do not know if the partner has HIV or not. I stopped all medication recenly. Please help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the treatment course thus far.  Gas can be caused by IBS, but treating the bacterial overgrowth should be addressed first.  A jejeunal aspirate would be the definitive test for overgrowth.  

Obtaining stool tests and cultures can be done to ensure the bacteria is sensitive to the treatment obtained.

If the diarrhea continues, I would consider a lower endoscopy.  Inflammatory bowel disease can lead to rashes as well as the continued GI symptoms.

If the rash continues, a dermatology referral can be considered for a possible biopsy.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

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, M.D.
kevinmd_

[gasnrash]

Some doctors say that people who have IBS still should be able to control flatulence.

Plese help. thank you