

However, if doctors believe the problem can be managed nonoperatively, that will be the typical route. Treatment will depend on your underlying cause, so if a problem like scar tissue or a fistula (intestinal abnormality) is causing the digestive issue, a minimally invasive corrective procedure could be recommended. Sometimes you can submit to a breath test that measures the amount of hydrogen or methane that you breathe out, but an endoscopic culture is considered the standard procedure to determine exactly what’s going on in your digestive system. However, in order to officially diagnose SIBO, they’ll need to collect a sample. They may also check for bloating or discomfort by gently pressing on your abdominal area. Among other things, poor nutrient absorption can lead to vitamin deficiency, osteoporosis and kidney stones.Īt your appointment, your gastrointestinal specialist will talk with you about your symptoms and review your medical history. That’s because although symptoms may not be terribly uncomfortable, the presence of this bacteria buildup can cause problems for your body if it can’t absorb nutrients like it needs to. If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, especially if you underwent GI surgery or have another medical condition that could affect your body’s ability to pass food through your small intestine, set up a consultation with your primary care physician or a gastrointestinal specialist.

SIBO Causes And SymptomsĪs we noted above, SIBO occurs when too much bacteria ends up developing in your small intestine, but why can a bacterial overgrowth occur? The most common reason for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is as a result of a slowing of the passage of food along the digestive tract.

In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why small intestinal bacterial overgrowth develops and how the condition can be treated. Bacteria in your digestive symptom perform a crucial role in the digestive process, but if too much bacteria ends up settling in your small intestine, you may end up with SIBO. One such problem that can develop is SIBO, which stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Your small intestine plays a vital function in the processing and digestion of food, so if an issue develops in this area, it can cause a number of gastrointestinal symptoms.
