Impact of cefixime and probiotics on functional abdominal bloating: a pilot study.

Introduction: Abdominal bloating is a prevalent condition that affects up to 30% of the population.

Aim: Investigate the impact of cefixime and probiotics on the bloating sensation among patients with functional abdominal bloating (FAB).

Material and methods: Out of 763 patients with bloating, 122 patients were diagnosed with FAB. Group I (n = 40) were treated with a combination of non-activated herbal charcoal and silicone dioxide with dimethylpolysiloxane (conventional treatment group); group II (n = 41) were treated by the same lines as in group I with the addition of cefixime 400 mg once daily for 6 days; and group III (n = 41) were treated by the same lines given to group I with the addition of a probiotic formulation harbouring the probiotic strain Lactobacillus helveticus candisis for 2 weeks. All patients were evaluated by history taking, clinical examination, laboratory assessment, relevant imaging, and symptom questionnaire before and by the end of treatment.

Results: The prevalence of FAB was 15.9% (122/763). The majority were females (58.1%). Patients treated with probiotics and cefixime reported significant improvement in the sense of bloating and the visible abdominal distension in comparison to conventional treatment (p = 0.008 and < 0.001, respectively). Abdominal pain, belching, bowel habit change, and nausea improved and were comparable among the 3 groups by the end of treatment. No adverse events related to the used medications were observed.

Conclusions: Cefixime and probiotics exert significant improvement in the subjective sensation of bloating and objective abdominal distension among patients with FAB in comparison to conventional anti-flatulence therapy.