SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

What Is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a digestive condition that occurs when there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. While bacteria naturally reside in the gut, an overgrowth in the small intestine can cause uncomfortable symptoms and disrupt normal digestion.

SIBO is often linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic bloating, and food intolerances. If left untreated, it can contribute to malabsorption of nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

Symptoms of SIBO

The symptoms of SIBO can be similar IBS and other digestive disorders, which make it difficult to diagnose without proper testing. Common signs of SIBO include:

• Chronic bloating and excessive gas
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Nausea and acid reflux
• Food intolerances, especially to carbohydrates and fermentable foods

If you frequently experience these symptoms, you may have an imbalance in your gut bacteria that requires medical attention.

How is SIBO Diagnosed?

Diagnosing SIBO involves specialized testing, often through a lactulose or glucose breath test. This test is available at Ogden Clinic and measures the levels of hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacterial fermentation in your small intestine. Very high gas levels indicate an overgrowth of bacteria.

In some cases, additional testing may be needed to evaluate underlying causes, such as motility disorders or conditions like IBS, celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease.

SIBO Treatment and Management

Here's how the GI team at Ogden Clinic may manage patients with SIBO...

1. Antibiotic Therapy: Prescription antibiotics, such as rifaximin, are often used to reduce bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine without disrupting healthy gut bacteria.

2. Dietary Modifications: A low-FODMAP diet or Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) can help minimize symptoms by reducing fermentable carbohydrates that feed bacterial overgrowth.

3. Prokinetics for Gut Motility: Prokinetic medications or natural motility agents, such as ginger, help stimulate gut movement and prevent SIBO from recurring.

4. Addressing Underlying Conditions: Since SIBO is often linked to conditions like IBS or slow gut motility, treating these root causes is key to long-term relief.

If you are have constant bloating, digestive discomfort, or any symptoms above, our gastroenterology team is here to help. We specialize in SIBO diagnosis, breath testing, and effective treatment plans tailored to your unique gut health needs.