What is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?
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Celeste Cooper answered:SIBO is an acronym for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, sometimes also referred to as SBBO, small bowel bacterial overgrowth. The small bowel is about 20 feet long, connects the stomach to the colon (large bowel/intestine) and is responsible for secreting a hormone (secretin) that stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. Digestion fulfills the bowel’s purpose, breaking down food into nutrients and eliminating waste or unwanted products.
The small bowel has fewer bacteria than the large bowel, but none the less, it has bacteria that should be there. However, when these bacteria have outlived their stay/purpose, the bacteria become unfriendly, rather like fermenting.
Failure to treat SIBO can cause long term problems.
SIBO is an acronym for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, sometimes also referred to as SBBO, small bowel bacterial overgrowth. The small bowel is about 20 feet long, connects the stomach to the colon (large bowel/intestine) and is... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:Bacteria belong in the lower colon, but when they move to the upper small bowel (small intestine), you get what’s known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If you have chronic gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and /or constipation that doesn’t respond to the treatments above, consider getting tested for SIBO. SIBO may also contribute to food allergies and nutritional deficiencies.
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Bacteria belong in the lower colon, but when they move to the upper small bowel (small intestine), you get what’s known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If you have chronic gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and /or... More -
Dr. Bill Salt answered:SIBO is increased number and/or type of bacteria in the upper small intestine.
While there may be no symptoms, when present, symptoms include one or more of the following:
Bloating
Abdominal discomfort
Dyspepsia (discomfort in the middle upper abdomen)
Diarrhea
Weight loss
The most common potential causes of SIBO are certain types of gastrointestinal surgery (for example, a gastrojejunostomy, known as Billroth I, scleroderma, and Crohn's disease.
SIBO has gained considerable interest and research attention recently, because it is now known that some (not all) patients with the very common condition, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have SIBO. The association of SIBO and IBS was described by gastroenterologist, Mark Pimentel and colleagues nearly 10 years ago. He has written a book entitled, A New IBS Solution: Bacteria - The Missing Link in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (http://www.anewibssolution.com/).
However, it remains unclear whether SIBO causes IBS or is a bystander of something else. A recent comprehensive review by gastroenterologist, Brennan MR Spiegel in a medical journal, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2011;9:461-469) concludes that "bacteria may contribute to some IBS symptoms, but that bacteria cannot be the only explanation, and a causal link between SIBO and IBS is not secure."
I agree with this conclusion and a statement made by Dr. Spiegel in the article: "...I use antibiotics in selected patients, such as those with persistent bloating, fullness, or distention despite other failed attempts at management, including assistance from an IBs-trained dietitian."
The most common drug used to treat SIBO associated with IBS is rifaximin (trade name = Xifaxan), but it is not FDA – approved for this treatment, which is considered an off-label application.
SIBO is increased number and/or type of bacteria in the upper small intestine. While there may be no symptoms, when present, symptoms include one or more of the following: Bloating Abdominal discomfort Dyspepsia (discomfort in the middle upper... More -
Ashley Koff answered:Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria are present in the small intestine and the types of bacteria resemble the kind typically found only in the colon (large intestine). This encroachment of bacteria can cause gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and constipation. SIBO may also contribute to food allergies and nutritional deficiencies. The good news is that it's easy to test for and responds well to proper treatment.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria are present in the small intestine and the types of bacteria resemble the kind typically found only in the colon (large intestine). This... More
