Intestinal flora analysis - interpretation of findings (increased / decreased bacteria)
April 21, 2011 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have been suffering from the following symptoms for about 6 months now (severe bloating 24 hours a day (sleeping on my stomach is no longer possible - it feels very uncomfortable, sometimes I feel like I might burst), belching, burping, nausea, loose stool to diarrhea).
Two months ago, an advanced lactose intolerance was diagnosed. Since then, I have been very careful with my diet (all lactose-free, using products like butter and milk: Minus-L).
Other results:
Fructose: negative, Celiac disease: negative, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: mild reflux
Since the symptoms have not improved, I had a stool analysis done at the laboratory of Dr. Dres. Hauss with the following results:
Candida within normal range (although the spit test was positive)
Mold fungi negative
All other bacterial values were within normal range, except for the following:
- Escherichia coli: increased
- Bifidobacterium spec.: significantly decreased
- Clostridium spec.: increased
- Stool pH level: slightly decreased
What do these values mean?
I am truly starting to despair and hope that my symptoms can be relieved soon.
Which doctor should I see with these results (I have found that not many people seem to care. Before finally getting a lactose intolerance test, I was confronted with the issue of irritable bowel syndrome. Only after insisting, the test was done).
Thank you in advance for your help & happy Easter holidays!
First of all, happy Easter holidays!
There are many different opinions on the interpretation of the different amounts of various bacterial species in the gut. First of all, all the germs you mentioned belong there, so they are "normal" in that sense. Experience shows that the amounts often vary from person to person, depending on diet and over time. In general, you don't notice anything. Only in some people, like yourself, do symptoms occur, the gut is "irritated". Since the exact cause is often not found, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is usually made.
Regarding the lactose intolerance that was diagnosed in you, it seems that it does not have a pathological effect on you. Even with a lactose-free diet, your symptoms remain unchanged. It is not clear from your report whether attempts have been made to reduce the extent of bloating. For this, the following medications are suitable: SAB drops, Lefax chewable tablets or suspension. If it helps, you can continue to use these until the gut bacteria composition has changed again.
Attempts are made to induce a change in bacteria with preparations such as Perenterol, which contain large amounts of gut bacteria. But I have also experienced remarkable improvements with the natural intake of gut bacteria, such as in bread drink (available at health food stores) in individual cases. From the findings themselves, not much can be deduced, which is why such investigations are generally not covered by insurance.
If none of this helps in 4-6 weeks, it would definitely be appropriate, even if you are younger, to have a colonoscopy to rule out more serious causes (polyps, diverticula, tumor).
Sincerely,
Dr. R. Berg
