SIBO

What is SIBO? — SIBO occurs when bacteria enter your normally sterile small intestine and begin to colonize. Studies have indicated that potentially up to 80% of patients with IBS may in fact have SIBO.

Common symptoms and reasons to test for SIBO include:

  • Nausea
  • Flatulence
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Malnutrition
  • Irritable bowel disease
  • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Acid reflux
  • Rosacea
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Diverticulitis

Testing:

Breath testing measures the Hydrogen (H) & Methane (M) gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine that has diffused into the blood, then through the lungs, for expiration. H & M are gases produced by bacteria, not by humans. The gas is graphed over the Sl transit time of 2 or 3 hours & compared to baseline (or first breath sample). Patients drink a sugar solution of glucose or lactulose after a 1- or 2-day preparatory diet. The diet removes much of the food that would feed the bacteria, allowing for a clear reaction to the sugar drink.