SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
What is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine (the duodenum). In a healthy person the bowels (the large intestine) are rich in bacteria and the duodenum has much less bacteria present. In a SIBO patient there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
SIBO causes a number of unpleasant gastric symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, bloating, discomfort after eating and abdominal pain. Patients may notice their stools are paler (yellow or grey in colour). Some studies suggest that up to 80% people with IBS type symptoms may have SIBO.
SIBO patients can develop complications of their illness as a result of malabsorption of nutrients, such as malnutrition, unintentional weight loss, anaemia and B vitamins deficiency. This can leave patients feeling fatigued and weak.
Questions and Appointments
For any enquiries about conditions, tests or treatments, please feel free to call Dr Rehan Haidry’s medical secretary Debra Hyams.
What causes SIBO?
Certain people are more likely develop SIBO:
- People with medical conditions such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, scleroderma and other immune system disorders are at a higher risk of developing SIBO
- Any anatomical changes to the small intestine can trigger SIBO in some patients. For example, following surgeries (such as gastric bypass or gastrectomy) or where a person develops a structural problem (such as diverticulosis which are bulging pouches in the gut) in the small intestine
- People with motility disorders: this is where surgery, medication or a disease results in a slower passage of food and waste through the digestive tract. This slower movement creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria
How is SIBO diagnosed?
To diagnose SIBO a gastroenterologist will need to check that the symptoms a patient is experiencing is linked to a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
SIBO testing starts with a simple breath test which will indicate if there is a bacterial overgrowth, followed by analysis of a sample of intestinal fluid (this is collected via an endoscope – a tube down the throat – under sedation).
How is SIBO treated?
To treat SIBO a gastroenterologist will first understand if there are any underlying anatomical issues, such as motility disorders or diverticulosis, which need to be addressed. Once any underlying issue is solved, the next phase of treatment is to reduce the SIBO.
To reverse the overgrowth of bacteria, specialist nutritional support and antibiotic therapy (under the guidance of an experienced gastroenterologist) is required. While it can take several months to get SIBO under control, Dr Rehan Haidry has seen complete symptom resolution in almost all his SIBO patients.
Overview Of Diagnosis And Management Of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
My tips to tackle a common problem by Dr Rehan Haidry
Appointments for SIBO
Dr Rehan Haidry treats many patients with SIBO and gastroenteric infections and disease. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above you can book an appointment directly at one or Dr Haidry’s clinics or seek a referral from your GP.
Get In Touch
For any enquiries about conditions, tests or treatments, please feel free to call Dr Rehan Haidry’s medical secretary Debra Hyams on:
Tel: 0203 423 7609 | Email: rhaidrymedsec@ccf.org