What if SIBO is detected?
Once bacterial overgrowth has been detected, intervention strategies involving diet, digestive support, probiotics and antimicrobials can be used to treat the condition. Successful eradication of SIBO has been shown to reduce bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain in patients more effectively than many other treatments for IBS.
Bacterial overgrowth may manifest silently, without overt clinical signs. Patients without clear symptoms of gastrointestinal distress may benefit from testing, especially those with a history of chronic constipation, hypochlorhydria (including use of acid-blocking drugs), or maldigestion.
Common SIBO symptoms:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Unexplained abdominal symptoms
- Gas and bloating
- The inability to tolerate sweet or starchy foods, fibre, or friendly flora supplements