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.
Antonio Gasbarrini practices in Rome, Italy. Gasbarrini is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth. Their top areas of expertise are Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth, Viral Gastroenteritis, Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Liver Transplant, and Endoscopy.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Mark Pimentel is a Gastroenterologist in West Hollywood, California. Dr. Pimentel is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth. His top areas of expertise are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth, Diarrhea, Endoscopy, and Appendectomy.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Ali Rezaie is a Gastroenterologist and a Radiation Oncologist in West Hollywood, California. Dr. Rezaie is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth. His top areas of expertise are Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Endoscopy, and Appendectomy.
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: Hydrogen (H₂) breath tests serve several purposes. (i) detect malabsorption of carbohydrates such as lactose and fructose, (ii) measurement of oro-caecal transit time (iii) associate hydrogen production with the onset of abdominal symptoms like bloating, flatulence, pain, and diarrhea (which indicates carbohydrate intolerance), and (iv) diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It is ...
Summary: The objective of the study is to assess feasibility, and clinical efficacy of a novel Fecal Microbiota Transplantation protocol for the treatment of pediatric small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
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.