Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth Overview
Learn About Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is a condition in which very large numbers of bacteria grow in the small intestine.
Overgrowth - intestinal bacteria; Bacterial overgrowth - intestine; Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; SIBO
Most of the time, unlike the large intestine, the small intestine does not have a large number of bacteria. Excess bacteria in the small intestine may use up the nutrients needed by the body. As a result, a person may become malnourished.
The breakdown of nutrients by the excess bacteria can also damage the lining of the small intestine. This can make it even harder for the body to absorb nutrients.
Conditions that can lead to overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine include:
- Complications of diseases or surgery that create pouches or blockages in the small intestine. Crohn disease is one of these conditions.
- Diseases that lead to decreased movement of the small bowel, such as diabetes and scleroderma.
- Immunodeficiency, such as AIDS or immunoglobulin deficiency.
- Short bowel syndrome caused by surgical removal of the small intestine.
- Small bowel diverticulosis, in which small, or, at times, large sacs occur in the wall of the intestine. These sacs allow too many bacteria to grow.
- Surgical procedures that create a loop of small intestine where excess bacteria can grow. An example is a Billroth II type of stomach removal (gastrectomy).
- Some cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The most common symptoms are:
- Abdominal fullness
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhea (most often watery)
- Gassiness
Other symptoms may include:
- Fatty stool
- Weight loss
The goal is to treat the cause of the bacterial overgrowth. Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics
- Medicines that speed intestinal movement
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Nutrition given through a vein (total parenteral nutrition or TPN) in a malnourished person
A lactose-free diet can be helpful.
Wendy Zhou is an Internal Medicine provider in San Jose, California. Dr. Zhou has been practicing medicine for over 7 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth. Her top areas of expertise are Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth, Familial Dysautonomia, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
County Of Santa Clara
Natalie Howlett is an Internal Medicine provider in San Jose, California. Dr. Howlett has been practicing medicine for over 9 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth. Her top areas of expertise are Sjogren Syndrome, Scleroderma, Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.
Genesis Healthcare Partners PC
Michelle Nguyen is a Gastroenterologist in Los Gatos, California. Dr. Nguyen and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth. Her top areas of expertise are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Bacterial Gastroenteritis, Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth, and Indigestion.
Severe cases lead to malnutrition. Other possible complications include:
- Dehydration
- Excess bleeding or other problems due to vitamin deficiency
- Liver disease
- Osteomalacia or osteoporosis
- Inflammation of the intestine
Summary: Researchers hope to determine how often small intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurs after taking proton pump inhibitors.
Summary: Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by parietal cell destruction and oxyntic mucosal atrophy, leading to achlorhydria and intrinsic factor deficiency. These pathological changes impair iron and vitamin B12 absorption, resulting in iron-deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Notably, 4-12% of AIG patients develop type 1 gastr...
Published Date: May 14, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Lacy BE, DiBaise JK. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 105.
Semrad CE. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 126.