What is SIBO and How is it Tested?

Have you noticed that you have not been feeling healthy lately? If you are suffering from digestive issues, have recently lost significant weight, or are experiencing abdominal pain, it is important to consult your health care professional. These symptoms are signs of SIBO, and if left untreated could cause serious damage. But what is SIBO? Continue reading for information on this condition, its diagnosis, and treatment. 

 

1. What is SIBO

 

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (or SIBO) is caused by an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine. Particularly, the types of bacteria that are not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract. This can result when the passage of food and waste products is slowed in the digestive tract, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. 

 

The excess of bacteria caused by SIBO can result in diarrhea, malnutrition, and other health concerns. Additional symptoms of SIBO can include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and weight loss. If you have persistent diarrhea, rapid unintentional weight loss, or abdominal pain that lasts more than a few days, it is important to see your doctor. 

 

2. How is it Diagnosed?

 

In order to diagnose a case of SIBO, the small intestine must be tested for bacterial overgrowth. There are two commonly used ways to test for SIBO: through breath testing, or a small intestine aspirate and fluid culture. 

 

Breath Testing 

 

A SIBO breath test measures the amount of hydrogen or methane that you exhale after drinking a mixture of glucose and water. A rapid rise in exhaled hydrogen or methane could indicate the presence of a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Though more widely available, this type of test is less specific than other tests for diagnosing a bacterial overgrowth. 

 

Aspirate & Fluid Culture 

 

This test is more invasive than a breath test. It requires that a long, flexible tube is passed down the throat, through the upper digestive tract, and into the small intestine to obtain a fluid sample. This sample of intestinal fluid is withdrawn and tested in a lab for the growth of bacteria. 

 

While these two tests are most common, your doctor could also recommend blood testing to look for vitamin deficiency, or a stool evaluation to test for fat malabsorption. They may also suggest imaging tests such as an X-Ray, CT-scan, or MRI to look for structural abnormalities of the intestine. 

 

3. Treatments

 

When possible, SIBO should be treated by dealing with the underlying problem, allowing the intestinal bacterial overgrowth to be corrected. However, treatment often focuses on correcting nutritional deficiencies that will work towards eliminating bacterial overgrowth. 

 

Rather than use antibiotics, nutritional support such as taking supplements (intramuscular injections of vitamin b-12, oral vitamins, calcium and iron supplements) can be used to treat SIBO. Further, as damage to the small intestine may cause the loss of ability to properly digest lactose, many treatments will include suggesting a lactose-free diet, to allow the intestine to recover and rebalance. Similarly, diet adjustments such as eating a more balanced diet, smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding potential food sensitivities such as gluten may be recommended. While probiotics may also help gut bacteria return to normal, evidence on this treatment is inconclusive. 

 

If you have symptoms that are common to SIBO, it is important to make an appointment to be evaluated and get referred to a specialist for testing and treatment. Be sure to ask your doctor questions, and be sure that you are comfortable with the testing! Dr Cecilia is a naturopathic doctor based out of the AIM Clinic who can test you for SIBO. If you are in the Durham region, make an appointment today!