Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to an abnormal amount of bacteria in the small intestine. The exact causes are unknown, and diagnosis can be challenging because SIBO shares symptoms with several other diseases. SIBO can be treated with antibiotics, and certain probiotics may enhance their efficacy.
Last Updated:October 13, 2024
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition characterized by an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine, often due to the presence of bacteria typically found in the large intestine. It can arise when factors such as acid-suppressing medications or diseases alter the small intestine's environment, which allows microbes to thrive.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may occur with no symptoms, but common signs include bloating, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is diagnosed using breath tests or duodenal aspirate cultures, though a lack of standardization complicates accurate diagnosis. A concentration of 10^3 to 10^5 CFU/mL in a fluid sample is generally accepted as indicative of SIBO.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is primarily treated with poorly absorbed antibiotics that target the intestines, which minimizes side effects and the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Although fecal microbiota transplants show promise in preliminary research, they are not yet an established treatment.
Probiotics may be beneficial for treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), although the optimal strains are unclear, and they have shown positive results when used with antibiotics. Other treatments (like prebiotics, curcumin, and certain herbal preparations) have been studied, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend them.
There is limited research on dietary interventions for Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and most recommendations are based on weak or anecdotal evidence. Although certain dietary patterns like low-FODMAP, low-sugar, or specific carbohydrate diets may alleviate some symptoms, their effect on SIBO itself remains unclear.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is associated with conditions that create an abnormal intestinal environment, such as a less acidic small intestine, slower food transit, abnormal muscular contractions, and reduced immune activity. These factors contribute to a nutrient-rich environment that allows for uncontrolled microbial growth, which leads to the development of SIBO.
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