Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) often occurs due to certain issues that affect the growth of the microorganisms in the gut.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is commonly a result of a certain issue that provides a suitable environment for the bacteria inside the gut to grow more than normal.

Causes of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• Decreased stomach acid causes the inability of the body to regulate bacterial growth, and this occurs due to H. pylori infection, gastric bypass surgery, and long-term use of antacids.
• Dysmotility of the small intestines, which causes the waste to stay in the gut longer than normal, and that affects the bacterial balance. Certain conditions that cause this include gastroparesis, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and hypothyroidism.
• Structural problems in the small intestines, such as small bowel diverticulosis, small bowel obstruction, and abdominal adhesions.
• Some medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, radiation enteritis, scleroderma, diabetes, cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, lupus, and colon cancer.
• Certain foods can trigger SIBO, such as sweeteners and sugars, fruits, starchy vegetables, dairy products, and grains.

Symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• Abdominal pain.
• Bloating.
• Nausea.
• Uncomfortable feeling after eating.
• Indigestion.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• SIBO can lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis, anemia, and kidney stones.

Diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• Breath test.
• Blood tests.
• Stool test.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• Treating SIBO depends on treating the underlying cause. Treatments include, in general, antibiotics and nutritional support.