Dr. Amy Nett: I’m sorry to hear your three-year-old is struggling a little bit with these things. I’m sure you’re already doing the immune support, but if you feel like he’s getting sick frequently, you might also start things like immune support, maybe cod liver oil to make sure he’s getting vitamins A and D, maybe a little bit of zinc. You can get liquid zinc for three-year-olds, just to do a few things for immune support, as well, if you think that’s an issue and not already addressed. That’s not what you’re asking for, and I don’t mean to give unsolicited advice, but that’s just something to think about.
It’s not surprising that the standard stool test didn’t reveal anything. That’s often the case. If you have to choose between SIBO or Doctor’s Data, I would choose a Doctor’s Data stool test probably because of the diarrhea. I don’t know. It’s a tough call. You’re saying, “Based on the limited information,” and you’re right. I would be a little bit curious as to other symptoms. If he’s having a lot of abdominal bloating or distension or gas, you might think about doing the SIBO breath test, but I think Doctor’s Data is probably going to provide you a little more information. I’m assuming that your son is already gluten free and dairy free, but on the Doctor’s Data stool test, you’ll get markers for gut mucosal inflammation or GI inflammation, so that might give you some indication. You’ll know whether or not there’s yeast overgrowth. I don’t really interpret it too much differently for a three-year-old. You’re still looking to see good levels of beneficial bacteria and not overgrowth of the not-so-good bacteria. You’re still looking for that balance.
I think unless you told me he’s having severe and frequent abdominal distension, gas, and bloating, I would lean towards doing the Doctor’s Data stool test. I think overall you’re going to get more information and it’ll give you potentially more places to treat from. Once you get the information, you can also share that information with us and do that as a follow-up test as well.
You’re also mentioning his throat hurts. I wonder a little bit, depending on what his symptoms look like, if there’s a viral issue going on, as well. Is he getting sick more frequently than his friends and classmates? What’s going on with the immune system is another one of my questions. So keep us posted there, and let us know when you have the results of the stool test if you want any help from Chris or me.