Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (shortened to SIBO and also known as blind loop syndrome) is a condition that affects the small intestine.
It happens when there is an increase in the types of bacteria in the small intestine, especially those that would normally grow somewhere else in the digestive tract.
Symptoms
People with SIBO often experience abdominal pain and diarrhoea. As the overgrowth of bacteria begins to use up the body’s nutrients, patients can also suffer from malnutrition and unintended weight loss.
Other symptoms include a reduced appetite, gassiness, bloating or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness after eating, feeling sick and constipation.
Causes
SIBO can occur as a complication after gastrointestinal surgery or because certain underlying diseases or anatomical conditions increase your risk of developing it. These include:
- HIV
- Diabetes
- Coeliac disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cirrhosis (liver disease)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Scleroderma (an autoimmune disorder)
- Gastroparesis (slow emptying of the stomach)
- Crohn’s disease (see Inflammatory bowel disease)
Narcotic medications that slow down the digestive process could also be a contributing factor, as can acid-reducing medication and a bad stomach bug infection (viral gastroenteritis).
Anything that results in food and waste matter moving abnormally slowly through the digestive tract may result in excess bacterial growth. The precise reason why this happens is not yet fully understood, though it can also occur due to pH changes in the small bowel, nerve damage or muscular malfunction in the intestine.
Diagnosis
To diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, clinicians will carry out investigations such as a physical examination of the abdomen, a blood test, a special breath test to check levels of hydrogen and methane (byproducts of bacterial growth) or by analysing a faecal sample.
Treatment
Treatment for SIBO is usually a straightforward course of antibiotics, or dietary changes if necessary. You may also benefit from taking probiotics.
Book an appointment
If you experience frequent abdominal pain and diarrhoea, you may have SIBO. Our trusted specialists will perform a series of tests to confirm your diagnosis and form a tailored treatment plan once they know the cause of your symptoms.
Get in touch to discover how we can help you.
Tests
Doctor’s questionnaire
Breath testing
Treatments / Symptom Management
Antibiotic treatment
Probiotics
Prokinetics