|
Question:
I was placed on an antibiotic six months ago and developed pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Since then I have had three recurrences. My doctor has prescribed Flagyl to deal with it and it works great to clear up the symptoms, but I want to prevent it from coming back. What can I do?
Answer:
Pseudomembranous enterocolitis (PME), also known as "antibiotic-associated colitis", occurs as a result of an antibiotic killing off all of the health promoting gut bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus while promoting the overgrowth of toxin-producing bacteria like Colstridium difficile. The toxins produce inflammation and damage to the lining of the intestine, diarrhea, and cramping abdominal pain.
The best treatment for PME is prevention. When taking antibiotics use supplements containing the friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus. Supplementation with L. acidophilus has been shown to correct the increase of toxin-producing bacteria observed following the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Although it is commonly believed that acidophilus supplements are not effective if taken during antibiotic therapy, research actually supports the use of L. acidophilus during antibiotic use. Administering L. acidophilus products during antibiotic therapy may prevent reductions of friendly bacteria and/or super infection with antibiotic-resistant flora including PME. A dosage of at least 10-20 billion organisms is required. I would still recommend taking the probiotic supplement as far away from the antibiotic as possible. In your case, with a history of PME, I would recommend a dosage of at least 5 to 10 billion organisms three times daily for two weeks followed by a dosage of 1 to 5 billion organisms daily for an additional two weeks.
|
