Antibiotic Therapy in Dyssynergic Defecation With Microbial Overgrowth
Abstract
Key Points Dyssynergic defecation is frequently accompanied by small intestinal microbial overgrowth, often with methane predominance, making the role of antibiotics a relevant clinical question. In tertiary practice, dyssynergic defecation patients with SIBO/IMO show heterogeneous responses to rifaximin or metronidazole: some report global improvement in bloating and constipation, whereas others experience worsening stool consistency and more difficult evacuation. These contrasting experiences highlight the need for prospective, phenotype‐based studies to clarify when adjunctive antibiotic therapy is beneficial, neutral, or potentially harmful in dyssynergic defecation with microbial overgrowth.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Gastrointestinal motility and disorders
Gut microbiota and health
Pelvic floor disorders treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Neurogastroenterology & Motility
- Volume
- 38
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e70241–e70241
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN