Latest news with #SmallIntestinalBacterialOvergrowth
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ex EastEnders actress has ‘breakdown' as she spots her ribs in picture after illness led to dramatic weight loss
Plus, what Melissa told The Sun about her unintentional weight loss last year 'I HATE IT' Ex EastEnders actress has 'breakdown' as she spots her ribs in picture after illness led to dramatic weight loss Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MELISSA Suffield has shared an emotional post on social media after she unintentionally lost weight because of an illness. Melissa, 32, was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) after experiencing "horrible nausea" in 2023. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Melissa Suffield has opened up in a candid post Credit: Instagram 5 She has unintentionally lost weight due to SIBO Credit: Instagram 5 Melissa often promotes a positive body image Credit: Instagram Since battling SIBO, the former Lucy Beale star has shed weight unintentionally, with the results of this now visible. Sharing a snap from inside a fitting room, Melissa could be seen donning a bright green plunging dress. "I had a bit of a breakdown today," Melissa began her post. She said: "Today has been not a very good day. "I had a bit of a menty b in the changing rooms while I was filming some bits. "I'm sure light didn't help, but I could see my ribs visible in the middle of my chest," she explained, referring to her chest area visible because of the plunging neckline. Melissa added: "And I just totally lost it. Like, cartoon floods of tears, unable to catch breath, that sort of thing. "You can see it on my face, like I am seconds away from breaking the f*ck down. And that is indeed what then happened." Getting even more emotional, Melissa went on: "It's just such a visible reminder of how much SIBO has taken from me. How much else I've lost along with the weight. 'I HATE IT' "And that doesn't even begin to cover the mental/emotional impact. Former EastEnders star opens up about drastic weight loss after health battle and says she was healthier when she was bigger "The fact that we glorify weight loss so much much is weighing so heavy on me, especially when I look in the mirror and see this. I hate it. "I know there are people who would be overjoyed to see this, but when you lose the weight like this, trust me, it's not a nice feeling. There is no accomplishment. Just a reminder of everything you have lost. "And no matter how often I talk about it, I'm going through it alone. Nobody will ever truly understand, even if they're going through it themselves. "Nobody else will know what I'm thinking when my legs feel so heavy I can barely manage the stairs. Or how lonely it is when you're still awake at 3am because the nausea won't let you lay down." What is SIBO? SIBO is also known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Melissa experiences nausea, reflux, constipation, and other symptoms like her hair falling out and suffering from dry skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition occurs "when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine — particularly types of bacteria not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract." Melissa then spoke about how she often talks about body confidence and embracing change, but noted how "this feels different" because there is "nothing to embrace". ANGRY BECAUSE OF SIBO She added how the impact her long term illness has had on her body image is "wild" before saying her body is "broken". The former soap star then said how she has to be a mother, an attentive partner, a cleaner, a cook and everything else in between, but when she was in the changing room, it was just her. "But in that changing room, nobody else, I'm just me. There aren't any responsibilities or asks. "So she puts it all down and she breaks in half. "And then she dries her eyes, and she cracks on. Again," she said. Melissa then revealed the "two good things" to come out of the "breakdown". "I got angry," she penned, revealing the first "good thing". "Yet again, another renewed fire for talking about SIBO. For educating as many people as possible. For helping people understand the symptoms, for forcing healthcare professionals to sit up and listen, for changing the perception, and for advocating for treatment. "A fight I will always show up for, no matter what." She then revealed the second "good thing", saying: "I bought the dress anyway. Because I love the colour, the cut, and of course, the pockets. "I'm not going to let SIBO take anything else from me." 'THERE'S NO JOY' Last year, Melissa opened up about her unintentional weight loss exclusively to The Sun. "Obviously, I've lost quite a lot of weight this year," Melissa began, adding: "But absolutely none of that has been through choice. None of it. Like I'm back in my pre-pregnancy jeans." 'She added: "But there's no joy," noting: "I don't enjoy the fact that that's happened at all in the way that you know, that's like a goal for a lot of people. "A) It was never a goal for me. But B) this is the complete antithesis of whatever I've ever wanted with my body. "So that's been tricky for sure. And then also, just on top of that, like my skin and my hair has been like affected. "Now I'm dealing with feelings of, you know, not enjoying the way that I look, which is frustrating because I've done such a lot of work to get me to a place where." 5 Melissa has a mass following on social media and raises awareness of SIBO while promoting body confidence Credit: Instagram/@
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ex EastEnders actress has ‘breakdown' as she spots her ribs in picture after illness led to dramatic weight loss
MELISSA Suffield has shared an emotional post on social media after she unintentionally lost weight because of an illness. , 32, was after experiencing "horrible nausea" in 2023. 5 Melissa Suffield has opened up in a candid post Credit: Instagram 5 She has unintentionally lost weight due to SIBO Credit: Instagram 5 Melissa often promotes a positive body image Credit: Instagram Since battling SIBO, the former Lucy Beale star has shed weight unintentionally, with the results of this now visible. Sharing a snap from inside a fitting room, Melissa could be seen donning a bright green plunging dress. "I had a bit of a breakdown today," Melissa began her post. She said: "Today has been not a very good day. Read More about Melissa "I had a bit of a menty b in the changing rooms while I was filming some bits. "I'm sure light didn't help, but I could see my ribs visible in the middle of my chest," she explained, referring to her chest area visible because of the plunging neckline. Melissa added: "And I just totally lost it. Like, cartoon floods of tears, unable to catch breath, that sort of thing. "You can see it on my face, like I am seconds away from breaking the f*ck down. And that is indeed what then happened." Most read in TV Getting even more emotional, Melissa went on: "It's just such a visible reminder of how much SIBO has taken from me. How much else I've lost along with the weight. 'I HATE IT' "And that doesn't even begin to cover the mental/emotional impact. Former EastEnders star opens up about drastic weight loss after health battle and says she was healthier when she was bigger "The fact that we glorify weight loss so much much is weighing so heavy on me, especially when I look in the mirror and see this. I hate it. "I know there are people who would be overjoyed to see this, but when you lose the weight like this, trust me, it's not a nice feeling. There is no accomplishment. Just a reminder of everything you have lost. "And no matter how often I talk about it, I'm going through it alone. Nobody will ever truly understand, even if they're going through it themselves. "Nobody else will know what I'm thinking when my legs feel so heavy I can barely manage the stairs. Or how lonely it is when you're still awake at 3am because the nausea won't let you lay down." What is SIBO? SIBO is also known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Melissa experiences nausea, reflux, constipation, and other symptoms like her hair falling out and suffering from dry skin. According to the Melissa then spoke about how she often talks about body confidence and embracing change, but noted how "this feels different" because there is "nothing to embrace". ANGRY BECAUSE OF SIBO She added how the impact her long term illness has had on her body image is "wild" before saying her body is "broken". The former soap star then said how she has to be a mother, an attentive partner, a cleaner, a cook and everything else in between, but when she was in the changing room, it was just her. "But in that changing room, nobody else, I'm just me. There aren't any responsibilities or asks. "So she puts it all down and she breaks in half. "And then she dries her eyes, and she cracks on. Again," she said. Melissa then revealed the "two good things" to come out of the "breakdown". "I got angry," she penned, revealing the first "good thing". "Yet again, another renewed fire for talking about SIBO. For educating as many people as possible. For helping people understand the symptoms, for forcing healthcare professionals to sit up and listen, for changing the perception, and for advocating for treatment. "A fight I will always show up for, no matter what." She then revealed the second "good thing", saying: "I bought the dress anyway. Because I love the colour, the cut, and of course, the pockets. "I'm not going to let SIBO take anything else from me." 'THERE'S NO JOY' Last year, "Obviously, I've lost quite a lot of weight this year," Melissa began, adding: "But absolutely none of that has been through choice. None of it. Like I'm back in my pre-pregnancy jeans." 'She added: "But there's no joy," noting: "I don't enjoy the fact that that's happened at all in the way that you know, that's like a goal for a lot of people. "A) It was never a goal for me. But B) this is the complete antithesis of whatever I've ever wanted with my body. "So that's been tricky for sure. And then also, just on top of that, like my skin and my hair has been like affected. "Now I'm dealing with feelings of, you know, not enjoying the way that I look, which is frustrating because I've done such a lot of work to get me to a place where." 5 Melissa has a mass following on social media and raises awareness of SIBO while promoting body confidence Credit: Instagram/@ 5 Melissa previously played the role of Lucy Beale in EastEnders Credit: BBC
Los Angeles Times
18-04-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and the Symptoms That Come Along With It
Imagine waking up with abdominal pain or having your day ruined by unpredictable bowel habits. For millions of people worldwide, this isn't just hypothetical – it's their daily reality of living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Affecting around 5-10% of people globally (some estimates even higher at 9-23%) [6] [8], IBS isn't life threatening but it can certainly turn your life upside down. Table of Contents IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine, causing abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits. Unlike other gut related conditions, IBS doesn't cause visible damage or inflammation in the digestive system. Instead it affects how your intestines function, leading to abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation or a mix of both [1]. Doctors classify IBS into different types based on your bowel habits: Knowing your IBS type helps your healthcare provider choose the right treatment for you, especially if you mistakenly assume that it can be somehing different like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Small Bowel Obstruction. IBS Signs could include: IBS is often described as a problem with the 'brain-gut axis' and the gastrointestinal tract. Essentially your brain and gut are constantly communicating. With IBS this communication gets a little mixed up. Several factors contribute to this disruption: Rather than one single issue, IBS is a combination of symptoms caused by multiple factors, making it tricky but manageable [4]. The Rome IV criteria are used to diagnose IBS based on specific symptoms. Doctors use specific criteria called 'Rome criteria' to diagnose IBS. According to these criteria, your doctor will look for: Before officially diagnosing IBS, your doctor will rule out other digestive conditions to ensure the correct diagnosis [5], [6]. This process often includes laboratory tests and imaging tests, although there is no specific test to diagnose IBS. Doctors will also rule out other serious diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Diagnosing IBS can be challenging as there is no definitive test to diagnose the condition. A healthcare professional will start with a complete medical history and physical exam to rule out other conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. Diagnostic tests and procedures may include endoscopy, colonoscopy, X-rays, CT scans, blood tests, stool tests and urine tests. The goal of these tests is to rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms, not to diagnose IBS directly. A diagnosis of IBS is made based on the presence of specific symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a change in bowel habits and the absence of other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. Several factors can increase your chances of developing IBS: Since IBS symptoms vary from person to person, treatment plans are highly individualized. Effective management usually combines: The goal is to find a balanced approach that suits you, improving overall comfort and life quality. The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms and quality of life. Alternative medicine and therapies like acupuncture, herbal supplements and mind-body therapies may be used to manage IBS symptoms. Some people with IBS find that alternative therapies like probiotics, peppermint oil and relaxation techniques help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. However, it's essential to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any alternative therapies as some may interact with other medications or have side effects. A low FODMAP diet which involves limiting certain types of carbohydrates may also be recommended to manage IBS symptoms. Certain probiotics like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus may also help reduce IBS symptoms. IBS is frustrating but it doesn't have to control your life. IBS patients experience a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. Understanding the gut-brain connection, managing stress, watching your diet and staying active can reduce symptoms. More targeted therapies are evolving as researchers dig deeper into IBS, giving hope to millions who live with this challenging but manageable condition. Many patients report having family members with similar symptoms, so there may be a genetic link. By working with healthcare professionals and following evidence-based approaches, many people find significant relief and regain control of their daily lives. IBS is often associated with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and stress. People with IBS are more likely to experience mental health issues and vice versa. The gut-brain axis, which is the communication network between the gut and the brain, plays a key role in the development and management of IBS symptoms. Stress, emotional abuse and other mental health factors can trigger IBS symptoms so it's essential to address mental health issues as part of IBS treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction and other therapies may be recommended to manage stress and anxiety associated with IBS. Remember, you are not alone in your journey with IBS. Numerous resources, support groups, and educational programs are available to provide guidance and assistance. By collaborating with healthcare professionals and actively seeking out the latest research and treatment options, individuals with IBS can effectively manage their symptoms, enhance their quality of life, and regain control over their health and well-being. [1] Ford, A. C., Sperber, A. D., Corsetti, M., & Camilleri, M. (2020). Irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet (London, England), 396(10263), 1675–1688. [2] Silva, A. C., Pimenta, M., & Guimarães, L. S. (2009). Small bowel obstruction: what to look for. Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc, 29(2), 423–439. [3] Bower, K. L., Lollar, D. I., Williams, S. L., Adkins, F. C., Luyimbazi, D. T., & Bower, C. E. (2018). Small Bowel Obstruction. The Surgical clinics of North America, 98(5), 945–971. [4] Tong, J. W. V., Lingam, P., & Shelat, V. G. (2020). Adhesive small bowel obstruction - an update. Acute medicine & surgery, 7(1), e587. [5] Rami Reddy, S. R., & Cappell, M. S. (2017). A Systematic Review of the Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Small Bowel Obstruction. Current gastroenterology reports, 19(6), 28. [6] Azagury, D., Liu, R. C., Morgan, A., & Spain, D. A. (2015). Small bowel obstruction: A practical step-by-step evidence-based approach to evaluation, decision making, and management. The journal of trauma and acute care surgery, 79(4), 661–668. [7] Tai, F. W. D., & Sidhu, R. (2023). Small bowel obstruction: what a gastroenterologist needs to know. Current opinion in gastroenterology, 39(3), 234–241. [8] Aka, A. A., Wright, J. P., & DeBeche-Adams, T. (2021). Small Bowel Obstruction. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 34(4), 219–226. [9] Cappell, M. S., & Batke, M. (2008). Mechanical obstruction of the small bowel and colon. The Medical clinics of North America, 92(3), 575–viii.
Los Angeles Times
17-04-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Small Bowel Obstruction and How You Can Manage It
Small bowel obstruction (SBO) can present as an acute condition requiring prompt attention, where something blocks the normal flow of food and liquid through the small intestine [1], [3]. This can be as simple as a clump of scar tissue preventing things from moving forward, or it can be caused by conditions like hernias or inflammation. Table of Contents Acute small bowel obstruction is more common than many people think; it has been reported to cause about 2% of all visits to the emergency department for abdominal pain. It also makes up a substantial chunk—around 12% to 16%—of emergency surgical admissions, and it leads to roughly 20% of emergency surgical procedures [1], [4]. Because of these high numbers, early detection and proper treatment matter a lot. If left untreated, an obstruction can lead to perforation (a hole in the bowel) or strangulation (tissue death), both of which can be very serious. The most frequent cause of SBO is the presence of intra-abdominal adhesions (scar tissue) that form after an abdominal surgery. These adhesions are responsible for about 65% of all cases [4]. Other causes may include: Crohn disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases are significant etiological factors for SBO, particularly in patients with a history of these conditions. This make it also slightly different than others like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Scar tissue often shows up after surgery as the body heals. Over time, these bands of tissue can tighten or create knots. When they snag or twist a part of the intestines, it leads to a blockage that must be addressed before it causes more harm. When a blockage occurs in the small intestine: This chain reaction can progress quickly. The more the intestine stays obstructed, the more fluid and nutrients get trapped, leading to more swelling, more pain, and possibly worse outcomes if not treated in time. SBO typically shows up with: Often, people with SBO will mention that they had past abdominal surgeries. This is a key predictor, since previous operations increase the likelihood of adhesions forming over the years [1]. Doctors generally take note of certain signs to suspect SBO: Once the patient's symptoms and exam point to a probable SBO, imaging tests such as CT scans or MR enterography help confirm the diagnosis. These tests can reveal where the obstruction is, what might be causing it (e.g., adhesions or hernias), and whether there are hints of strangulation or blood supply issues [2], [7]. Imaging can also reveal bowel wall thickening and edema, which are indicative of complications. Additionally, imaging can identify signs of vascular compromise, which necessitate prompt surgical intervention. Such detailed information from the images allows doctors to decide if surgery is necessary right away or if less invasive options could work first. In the past, surgery was the first plan of action for SBO. Nowadays, doctors often try a combination of methods that do not always require an operation. These changes are thanks to better understanding of how SBO develops, the use of laparoscopic techniques, and improved imaging technology that gives a clearer picture of what's going on inside [8]. Small bowel obstruction, often caused by scar tissue, hernias, or tumors, requires immediate care to prevent serious complications. Quick diagnosis is essential, as untreated obstruction can lead to bowel perforation or tissue death. While modern diagnostic methods and nonoperative treatments can be effective, surgery remains crucial in certain cases. Awareness of risk factors and prompt intervention are key to a successful recovery. [1] Taylor, M. R., & Lalani, N. (2013). Adult small bowel obstruction. Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, 20(6), 528–544. [2] Silva, A. C., Pimenta, M., & Guimarães, L. S. (2009). Small bowel obstruction: what to look for. Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc, 29(2), 423–439. [3] Bower, K. L., Lollar, D. I., Williams, S. L., Adkins, F. C., Luyimbazi, D. T., & Bower, C. E. (2018). Small Bowel Obstruction. The Surgical clinics of North America, 98(5), 945–971. [4] Tong, J. W. V., Lingam, P., & Shelat, V. G. (2020). Adhesive small bowel obstruction - an update. Acute medicine & surgery, 7(1), e587. [5] Rami Reddy, S. R., & Cappell, M. S. (2017). A Systematic Review of the Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Small Bowel Obstruction. Current gastroenterology reports, 19(6), 28. [6] Azagury, D., Liu, R. C., Morgan, A., & Spain, D. A. (2015). Small bowel obstruction: A practical step-by-step evidence-based approach to evaluation, decision making, and management. The journal of trauma and acute care surgery, 79(4), 661–668. [7] Tai, F. W. D., & Sidhu, R. (2023). Small bowel obstruction: what a gastroenterologist needs to know. Current opinion in gastroenterology, 39(3), 234–241. [8] Aka, A. A., Wright, J. P., & DeBeche-Adams, T. (2021). Small Bowel Obstruction. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 34(4), 219–226. [9] Cappell, M. S., & Batke, M. (2008). Mechanical obstruction of the small bowel and colon. The Medical clinics of North America, 92(3), 575–viii.
