Is SIBO the cause of your IBS symptoms?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a serious condition affecting the small intestine. It occurs when bacteria that normally grow in other parts of the gut start growing in the small intestine. That causes pain and diarrhea. It can also lead to malnutrition as the bacteria start to use up the body’s nutrients.

Read on to learn more about SIBO.

 SIBO symptoms mainly affect the gut. They may include:

• pain in the stomach, especially after eating
• bloating
• cramps
• diarrhea
• constipation
• indigestion
• regular feeling of fullness
• gas

You may also experience weight loss. 

 SIBO is not yet well understood. It can occur when:

• your small bowel has anatomic abnormalities
• the pH changes in your small bowel
• your immune system isn't working properly
• the muscular activity of the small intestine malfunctions, which means that food and bacteria aren’t removed from the organ

SIBO is associated with various conditions, such as:

• viral gastroenteritis, or a stomach bug
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid levels
• gastroparesis
• nerve damage
• cirrhosis
• portal hypertension
• irritable bowel syndrome
• certain gastric bypass procedures
• surgeries that cause strictures or adhesions

 Having a chronic condition or surgery that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can put you at risk of SIBO. Certain diseases and chronic conditions can also increase your risk, including:

• Crohn’s disease
• diabetes
• scleroderma
• HIV
• Parkinson’s disease
• hypothyroidism
• medications that slow down the gut, such as narcotics

The good news is that we know how to test for SIBO, and better yet, treat it effectively. SIBO is best diagnosed with the Lactulose Breath Test which detects gasses created by the overgrown intestinal bacteria and distinguishes between two groups of organisms, those producing the hydrogen and producing methane. The breath test can help us customize treatment and estimate the time required to begin seeing results.There are other tests, such a simple measurement of immunoglobulins (anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies) that have been shown to confirm IBS as a diagnosis, and point to a cause (a past gastrointestinal infection). It is very exciting that we can now test for underlying causes of IBS, historically thought to be purely “functional,” psychological, or a diagnosis of exclusion.

Capitol Wellness Center offers different treatment options: We treat SIBO at CWC in three main ways:

1. Patients will be recommended an antimicrobial strategy to reduce overgrowth directly;
2. You will be offered a dietary strategy to assist the antimicrobial agents by preventing the “feeding” of the overgrowth, and
3. Medication may be prescribed offering you a prokinetic strategy to support the functioning of the intestinal tract and its movement during the periods between meals that is thought to sweep residual undigested material through the digestive tube with daily regularity.

If you recognize yourself in what is described above, it is time to explore SIBO testing. We can help to get you the appropriate evaluation, testing and treatment needed successfully treat SIBO. Once you have been tested and treated you are assured support following treatment to assure success. Regular retesting for SIBO  is also recommended to assure eradication as well as follow-up appointments to assure you have received the dietary counseling necessary to prevent relapse and, ongoing care monitor progress.