What is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a digestive disorder characterized by excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine. This condition occurs when bacteria that normally live in other parts of the gut start growing in the small intestine, leading to various digestive symptoms.
Common Symptoms
- Bloating and abdominal distension
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Excessive gas
- Nausea
- Malabsorption of nutrients
- Unintentional weight loss
Risk Factors
- Previous abdominal surgery
- Structural abnormalities of the digestive tract
- Certain medical conditions (diabetes, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease)
- Decreased stomach acid production
- Medications that affect gut motility
Diagnostic Methods
- Breath testing (hydrogen and methane)
- Small intestine aspirate and culture
- Blood tests for nutritional deficiencies
- Comprehensive digestive stool analysis
Treatment Options
- Antibiotics to address bacterial overgrowth
- Dietary modifications:
- Low FODMAP diet
- Elemental diet
- Specific carbohydrate diet
- Prokinetics to improve gut motility
- Treatment of underlying conditions
Prevention and Management
- Regular meal timing
- Proper food hygiene
- Stress management
- Probiotic supplementation when appropriate
- Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare providers