It is more likely to affect females, older adults, and people with digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS.
In this article, we discuss the symptoms, risk factors, and complications of SIBO. We also cover the best diets to relieve symptoms. They can vary in severity from mild stomach discomfort to chronic diarrhea , weight loss, and a reduced ability to absorb nutrients from food malabsorption.
SIBO directly affects the gut, causing uncomfortable digestive issues. The symptoms of SIBO include:. This bacterial overgrowth can happen either when bacteria from one part of the digestive tract travel to the small intestine or when naturally occurring bacteria in the small intestine multiply too much.
People with certain medical conditions are more likely to have SIBO. Doctors consider SIBO a complication of the following conditions:. SIBO causes a wide range of nonspecific symptoms with varying degrees of severity, which can make it difficult to diagnose.
They may probe the abdomen for signs of excess gas or bloating. If they suspect SIBO, they are likely to recommend a breath test. The results of this test inform the doctor about the severity and location of bacterial overgrowth in the gut. The breath test works because bacteria produce hydrogen and methane when they break down carbohydrates in the gut.
These hydrogen and methane molecules enter the bloodstream, travel to the lungs, and leave the body in the breath. People must fast for 24 hours before undergoing a breath test.
During the test, the individual will drink a sugar lactulose beverage before breathing into either a balloon or a set of tubes at regular intervals. A doctor may need to take samples of blood, urine, or intestinal fluid for laboratory analysis if the breath test results are unclear. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. You will also receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest health news, research, and care. Your digestive tract stretches from your mouth to your anus. It includes the organs necessary to digest food, absorb nutrients and process waste.
The small intestine is the longest section of your digestive tract, measuring about 20 feet 6. The small intestine is where food mixes with digestive juices and nutrients are absorbed into your bloodstream. Unlike your large intestine colon , your small intestine normally has relatively few bacteria due to rapid flow of contents and the presence of bile.
But in SIBO , stagnant food in the bypassed small intestine becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria may produce toxins as well as interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
The breakdown products following bacterial digestion of food can also trigger diarrhea. Factors that increase your risk of SIBO include:. Poor absorption of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Bile salts, which are normally needed to digest fats, are broken down by the excess bacteria in your small intestine, resulting in incomplete digestion of fats and diarrhea.
Bacterial products may also harm the mucous lining mucosa of the small intestine, resulting in decreased absorption of carbohydrates and proteins. Bacteria can compete for available food. And compounds produced through the bacterial break-down of stagnant food can also trigger diarrhea.
Together, these effects of bacterial overgrowth result in diarrhea, malnutrition and weight loss. Vitamin deficiency. Diagnosis In order to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth SIBO , you may have tests to check for bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine, poor fat absorption, or other problems that may be causing or contributing to your symptoms.
Common tests include: Breath testing. This type of noninvasive test measures the amount of hydrogen or methane that you breathe out after drinking a mixture of glucose and water.
A rapid rise in exhaled hydrogen or methane may indicate bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine. Although widely available, breath testing is less specific than other types of tests for diagnosing bacterial overgrowth.
Small intestine aspirate and fluid culture. This is currently the gold standard test for bacterial overgrowth. To obtain the fluid sample, doctors pass a long, flexible tube endoscope down your throat and through your upper digestive tract to your small intestine.
A sample of intestinal fluid is withdrawn and then tested in a laboratory for the growth of bacteria. Email address. First Name let us know your preferred name. Last Name. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ramirez PT, et al. Management of bowel surgery complications.
In: Principles of Gynecologic Oncology Surgery. Elsevier; Accessed Jan. SIBO usually occurs because of an underlying condition. SIBO is treatable, but it may recur. Contact your doctor if you suspect you have SIBO so you can start treatment right away. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, occurs when bacteria that usually grows in other parts of your digestive tract, grows in your small….
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