Colds and other viruses can hinder how well food moves through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing nausea and bloating, two common issues people with IBS face, said Thomas Puetz, MD, a gastroenterologist in Milwaukee, and a member of the medical advisory board for the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Viruses also make it harder for the small intestine to digest lactose-containing foods like dairy products, Dr. Puetz added. Additionally, the stress of dealing with an infection can change serotonin levels in the GI tract, resulting in worsening diarrhea or constipation in people with IBS, he said. Renée Pickle, a Florida certified public accountant and mother of two, suffers from severe IBS and other digestive problems, including GERD. When she catches a cold, the nasal drainage down her throat can irritate her reflux, causing more burning and irritation in her chest and stomach. She added that very bad postnasal drip can worsen nausea. “IBS is a huge mental battle as much as it is a physical battle,” she said. “A cold will make me more tired and in turn make it more difficult to mentally deal with my IBS symptoms.” Guaifenesin. It helps relieve chest congestion and is an ingredient in dozens of cold medications, including Mucinex. It works by thinning mucus so it is easier to cough up. Medication side effects can include nausea, Dr. Cohen said. Dextromethorphan. It helps relieve coughs from colds and flu. It’s an ingredient in many cold medications, including Robitussin Maximum Strength and Vicks Formula 44. Cohen said medication side effects can include constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain. Also remember that some cough suppressants with the sweeteners fructose and sorbitol can cause diarrhea. Pseudoephedrine. It helps relieve nasal congestion and can be found in medications such as Sudafed. It can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea and can keep people awake, among other side effects, said Cohen. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). “NSAIDs like Advil and Motrin can cause a variety of problems,” said Puetz. In most cases, they cause constipation, but they also have been linked to microscopic colitis, which can cause diarrhea, he added. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is pretty well-tolerated in people who don’t have underlying liver disease. To avoid unnecessary side effects of a cold medication, Cohen suggests steering clear of a multisymptom medication if you don’t have all the symptoms it addresses. For example, if the medicine has a cough suppressant in it but you don’t have a cough, don’t use it. “Choose a product that only has in it what you need,” he said. Nondrug cold remedies could help your symptoms. Using a humidifier at night may help calm a cough. A neti pot can help irrigate and clear nasal congestion.
What to Eat and Drink When Fighting a Cold
Drinking plenty of fluids is important in recovering from a cold, said Puetz. But the type of fluid can make a big difference, as certain beverages can trigger IBS. Soda, apple juice, and grape juice contain sugars that can increase gas and cause diarrhea, he said. Water is a safe bet. Be careful about what you eat too. “Often people will resort to comfort foods such as bread or pasta, but these starch-containing foods produce gas and can make bloating worse," said Puetz, who recommends rice as a good substitute. He added that in general, if you have digestive issues, steer clear of IBS triggers. While only you know your unique triggers, common ones include fatty foods, high-fructose foods such as onions, pears, and sweetened drinks, foods with sorbitol (apples, grapes, diet gum), and dairy products. “The old remedy of chicken soup and rest would be an ideal choice,” said Puetz. Pickle agreed that rest is perhaps the best medicine: “Know your limits based on your IBS under normal conditions and slow down — allow your body more time to rest and fight the cold.”
