Based on the history you have shared, your symptoms are most consistent with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), likely IBS with altered bowel habit and gas-dominant dyspepsia, rather than an infection or any serious intestinal disease.
The key points supporting this are the chronic nature of symptoms, absence of red-flag signs (no fever, weight loss, blood in stool, severe pain), sticky/poorly formed stools, abdominal sounds, and clear improvement with Isabgol, which indicates a functional bowel motility issue. A sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, work-from-home routine, irregular meal timing, and chronic acidity further aggravate IBS symptoms. The feeling of “pet ki garmi” and bowel sounds are typical of gas fermentation and gut sensitivity, not infection.
Regarding medicines: Metronidazole should not be taken empirically in this situation. It is meant for specific infections and unnecessary use can worsen gut flora imbalance and IBS in the long run. Since you do not have fever, foul-smelling diarrhea, mucus, blood, or acute illness, there is no indication for antibiotics at present.
Isabgol helping you is a positive sign-it is safe and can be continued long-term in IBS. The recurrence of symptoms on stopping it simply means your gut needs regular fiber support. You may take Isabgol 1–2 teaspoons at bedtime daily with warm water; mishri is optional but not mandatory.
You may benefit from probiotics, preferably a single-strain or multi-strain probiotic taken once daily for 2–4 weeks, which helps regulate gut flora and reduce stickiness and gas. There is no harm in trying this. Prebiotics are usually avoided initially in gas-dominant IBS as they can increase bloating.
Pantoprazole (Pan 40) should be used only as a short course when acidity is severe; frequent on-off use can sometimes worsen digestion and gut balance. Lifestyle measures such as daily walking, avoiding prolonged sitting, regular meal timing, reducing blanket-covered sedentary periods, and gentle physical activity are equally important in IBS control.
At this stage, your condition appears functional, common, and manageable, not dangerous. With consistent fiber, probiotics, lifestyle correction, and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics, symptoms usually stabilize well.
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If stools become watery, bloody, associated with weight loss, or symptoms persist despite these measures, then further evaluation by a gastroenterologist would be advised.