Diagnosis & Treatment
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
How is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Diagnosed?
How is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Diagnosed?If you experience foul-smelling feces, diarrhea, abdominal distension, flatulence, or bloating symptoms, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider right away, as you may be suffering from SIBO. Your doctor can order a variety of tests to check for the disorder.
SIBO Breath Test
The most common test for diagnosing SIBO is a breath test, also known as Hydrogen Breath Testing. The test is non-invasive and can be done at home or in a doctor's office. Before the testing phase, individuals adhere to a period of overnight fasting. Antibiotics should be avoided for 4 weeks before testing. Prokinetic medications and laxatives should be avoided for 1 week before testing.
During the test, a liquid sugar solution is consumed by the patient. Afterward, the patient's breath is analyzed periodically for 90 minutes. The excess bacteria in the small intestine of patients with SIBO release hydrogen and methane gas, which are then detected using the breath test.
Small Intestine Fluid Culture
During an upper endoscopy, a small amount of fluid is taken from the small intestines and cultured to test for bacterial growth.
Imaging Tests
Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to search for structural abnormalities in the intestine. Imaging tests include X-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
How is SIBO Treated?
How is SIBO Treated?Because SIBO is a complex condition, it can be difficult to eradicate. Your road to healing from SIBO will be tailored to your symptoms. This typically consists of antibiotics to reduce the bacteria levels in the small bowel, combined with treatment to address any underlying disorder.
Remember that recovery from SIBO isn't one-and-done as the condition can recur, necessitating retreatment. That's why it's helpful to stay on top of a proven SIBO treatment protocol that can be used to treat flare-ups when they arise.
Surgical Options
Some digestive system abnormalities, such as bowel obstruction, diverticula, and Crohn's disease of the small intestine, can lead to SIBO. In some cases, these structural abnormalities can be treated through surgery.
Medication
Your doctor may suggest antibiotics as the primary treatment for SIBO. Taking antibiotics will help reduce bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and inflammation in the intestinal lining.
There are a variety of antibiotics that your doctor may recommend to treat SIBO, including rifaximin, neomycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin-clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Repeat courses of antibiotics may be necessary for patients who have only a partial response or develop recurrent symptoms of SIBO.
Dietary Changes
Making dietary changes can also address SIBO symptoms. Nutritional deficiencies may be present. Taking supplemental vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B12, D, E, calcium, and magnesium may be recommended by your doctor to correct deficiencies. Adopting a low-FODMAP diet to restrict your intake of carbohydrates may also alleviate bloating and diarrhea.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for SIBO Treatment
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can be a debilitating condition. If you've experienced symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, bloating, and abdominal distension, seek treatment right away. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals is ready to help you. Give us a call today.