Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, commonly called SIBO, means that an excessive amount of bacteria are present in the intestine or “gut”. While bacteria are essential for proper digestion, the majority of gut bacteria reside in the colon. When the number of bacteria in the small bowel increase, sometimes because they have migrated backward from the colon into the small intestine, it can lead to digestive distress, poor nutrient absorption, and even a leaky gut, where toxins and bacteria leak through the intestinal wall.
If you would like to consult with a provider about your symptoms, schedule an appointment with Virginia Mason's Gastroenterology Department by calling (206) 223-2319.
Signs and symptoms of SIBO can include:
SIBO is associated with a number of chronic conditions such as immune disorders, slow or disturbed bowel motility, and conditions that cause bacteria from the colon to reflux into the small bowel. Examples of these conditions include celiac disease, cirrhosis, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and gastroparesis. SIBO is also associated with diabetes or scleroderma that can cause damage to the nerves in the gut, medications that disrupt normal gut flora such as antibiotics, acid-blockers, narcotics, and steroids, and surgeries that cause gut narrowing or hooking together loops of small intestine or small intestine to the colon.
To explore the cause a SIBO, a gastroenterologist will complete a thorough medical history and a physical exam, which may include gently feeling your abdomen. Tests may be ordered, which may include:
To effectively treat SIBO, your gastroenterologist will prescribe medication and a diet aimed to:
Most patients require multiple courses of various treatments to achieve long-lasting results.
To schedule an appointment with Virginia Mason's Gastroenterology Department, call (206) 223-2319.