IMPACT OF PROBIOTICS AND EBASTINE ON PERFORMANCE AND WELL-BEING IN ATHLETES WITH DIARRHEA-PREDOMINANT IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS-D)

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the effects of probiotics combined with Ebastine on the treatment efficacy and quality of life in athletes suffering from diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), focusing on their potential to improve gastrointestinal health and athletic performance. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on sixty athletes diagnosed with IBS-D at our institution from June 2020 to June 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to either an observation group, which received probiotics and Ebastine, or a control group, which received standard treatment. We compared the overall treatment effectiveness, clinical symptom improvement, gut flora, quality of life, and complication rates between the two groups. Recurrence rates were also monitored at 1, 3, and 5 months post-treatment. Results:The observation group demonstrated a higher overall effective rate compared to the control group (P < 0.05).Recovery times for symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and stool irregularities were significantly shorter in the observation group (P < 0.05).Improvements in gut flora, specifically increases in Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus, were more significant in the observation group (P < 0.05).Quality of life measures, including psychological, physiological, and social functioning, were better in the observation group (P < 0.05).The observation group exhibited lower recurrence rates at 1, 3, and 5 months post-treatment (P < 0.05), although they experienced slightly higher rates of mild side effects such as rash, fever, and nausea (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The combination of probiotics and Ebastine offers considerable benefits in managing IBS-D in athletes, enhancing not only gastrointestinal health but also overall quality of life. This therapeutic approach accelerates symptom relief, improves gut microbial balance, and reduces recurrence rates, making it a valuable strategy in sports health management. This treatment warrants further attention and widespread implementation in sports medicine practices due to its positive impacts on athlete health and performance.