SIBO: The Hidden Digestive Disorder Behind Your Bloating?

Dr.Sharad Malhotra, 3 mins read

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a medical condition in which there is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. While bacteria are an important part of gut health, they are usually found in larger numbers in the large intestine. When they grow excessively beyond necessary levels in the small intestine, it can lead to digestive problems like bloating, gas, and discomfort.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of SIBO can be confusing because they appear more similar to other digestive issues. One may feel

• Abdominal pain or cramps
  
• A bloated or swollen belly
  
• Nausea
  
• Indigestion
  
• Excessive gas
  
• Diarrhoea or constipation
  
• Fatigue
  
• Unintended weight loss
  

Your stools might also change. It may become oily, float, have a strong smell, or appear loose and watery. Some people notice mucus in their stools or very thin, pencil-like stools.

Causes of SIBO:

• Low stomach acid
• Poor movement of the small intestine
• Use of certain medications like antibiotics
• Structural issues in the small intestine, possibly from past surgeries or injuries
  
  

Who is at Risk?

The risk of SIBO increases with age. Older adults tend to have lower stomach acid and slower gut movement. People who take certain medications or have had abdominal surgery are also at higher risk.

Some health conditions make you more likely to develop SIBO, such as:

• Diabetes
  
• Hypothyroidism 
• Celiac disease
  
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  
• Chronic kidney or liver disease
  
• Pancreatitis
  
• Scleroderma
  
• Weakened immune systems
  

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of SIBO includes patient history, physical examination, and some diagnostic tests. The gold standard test is a quantitative culture of intestinal fluid aspirate. Breath tests are also commonly used, mainly the glucose-hydrogen breath test. This test measures the amount of hydrogen or methane gas in your breath, which can signal bacterial overgrowth. 

Other tests are:

• Blood tests - to check for vitamin deficiencies
  
• Stool tests - to find undigested fat or bile acid problems
  
• Imaging tests - to find structural issues in the intestines
  

Treatment of SIBO

Doctors often treat SIBO with a short course of antibiotics to reduce the load of bacteria. We may also need nutritional support for vitamin or mineral deficiencies and a temporary diet change to relieve symptoms. A long-term eating plan will help to maintain gut health, and medications to help improve gut movement. Surgery is needed in case if a structural issue is causing the problem.

Takeaway!

If you are suffering from frequent bloating, gas, or belly pain, SIBO could be the reason. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help you feel better and protect your digestive health.