Bloating breakthrough? new trial tests antibiotic for gut relief

This study tests whether a 14-day course of the antibiotic rifaximin can reduce bothersome bloating in adults with irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, or similar gut disorders. About 78 participants will receive either rifaximin or a placebo, and researchers will measure changes in bloating severity using a simple 0-to-6 scale. The goal is to see if this short treatment offers meaningful symptom relief without long-term medication.