Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition caused by excess bacteria in your small intestine. It can be caused by stomach surgery, structural problems with your small intestine, and some diseases.
Symptoms
Symptoms of SIBO include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Feeling too full after eating
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition
Treatment
If an underlying problem is causing your SIBO, your doctor will start by dealing with that problem. This usually cures SIBO.
But if the underlying cause can't be fixed, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to reduce the number of bacteria in your small intestine. You may need to take antibiotics long-term so the bacteria don't grow back.
You may also need to take nutritional supplements, such as B-12, iron, calcium, and more.
Risk Factors
SIBO is often caused by stomach surgery, including gastric bypass surgery. Other risk factors include:
- Crohn's disease
- Scleroderma
- Diabetes
- Celiac disease
- Injury to the small intestine
- Structural issue in the small intestine
- Scar tissue
- Radiation therapy to the stomach or chest
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
Gastroenterology
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