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.