What is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth?

-Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) refers to a condition in which an abnormally large number of bacteria which are seen in the large intestine are present in the small bowel. 

​

What are the symptoms of SIBO?

-Patients with SIBO present in a variety of ways, symptoms include nausea, gas, abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, joint pain, fatigue, , depression, malnutrition and weight loss. These symptoms are very non-specific and found in a variety of different conditions making the diagnosis at times very challenging. 

​

What is the cause of SIBO?

-SIBO is due to the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine impairing absorption and causing small bowel inflammation. Conditions that are known to contribute to SIBO include

 

• Older Age

• Diabetes

• Pancreatitis

• Scleroderna

• Small Intestinal Surgery

• Intestinal Lymphoma

• Celiac Disease

• Medications

​

-As you can see, SIBO is linked to many conditions, and not all of them are linked to the gastrointestinal tract.

 

What is the treatment for SIBO?

-Treatment includes controlling the underlying associated condition and illness. Antibiotics are most helpful in controlling and decreasing the number of excess bacteria in the small intestine.