SIBO: Understanding Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. Normally the small intestine contains relatively few bacteria. In SIBO, bacteria that belong in the large intestine grow in excess in the small intestine, where they ferment food and produce gas, leading to uncomfortable and often confusing symptoms.

Symptoms to look out for

• Bloating that worsens through the day, especially after meals
• Excess gas, belching and abdominal discomfort
• Loose stools or, in some people, constipation
• Feeling full quickly, or unintended weight loss

Why it happens

SIBO often develops when the normal movement of the gut slows down or when its natural defences are altered. It is commonly linked to IBS, previous abdominal surgery, diabetes and certain medicines. That is why finding and treating the underlying cause matters as much as treating the overgrowth itself.

Diagnosis and treatment

SIBO is usually diagnosed with a simple, non-invasive breath test. Treatment combines a targeted course of antibiotics to reduce the overgrowth, dietary adjustments, and steps to improve gut movement and treat any underlying condition. Most patients feel substantially better once treatment begins.

If bloating and gas have become a daily struggle, it is worth investigating properly rather than living with it.