Learn About SIBO
What is SIBO?
SIBO occurs when bacteria enter your normally sterile small intestine and begin to colonize. Studies have indicated that potentially up to 80% of patients with IBS may in fact have SIBO.
Common symptoms and reasons to test for SIBO include: nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, malnutrition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), Leaky Gut Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Acid Reflux, Rosacea, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Fibromyalgia, Gastroeseophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Celiac Disease & Diverticulitis
How testing works:
There are many testing methods for looking at bacteria in the gut. The most common are: Endoscopy with culture, Breath test, Stool analysis and Organic Acid testing. This table shows the pros and cons of each of the testing methods.
Hydrogen and Methane breath tests are used to help clinicians assess patients with various digestive disorders and is most beneficial for diagnosing SIBO.
Breath testing measures the Hydrogen (H) & Methane (M) gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine that has diffused into the blood, then through the lungs, for expiration. H & M are gases produced by bacteria, not by humans. The gas is graphed over the SI transit time of 2 or 3 hours & compared to baseline (or first breath sample).
Patients drink a sugar solution of glucose or lactulose after a 1 or 2 day preparatory diet. The diet removes much of the food that would feed the bacteria, allowing for a clear reaction to the sugar drink.
