Having bacteria in the body is not always bad, especially if they are in the stomach or intestine, the problem comes when there is a growth of these bacteria that can harm us, from the digestive point of view, it is what is known as SIBO (bacterial overgrowth).
What is SIBO?
SIBO stands for “small intestine bacterial overgrowth.”
This syndrome is described by the abnormal and excessive presence of bacteria in the small intestine that are normally found in the large intestine; and is associated with symptoms such as: dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, bloating and abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea and constipation.
In healthy patients, the proximal small intestine contains relatively small amounts of bacteria due to the action of gastric acid, the ileocecal valve, the action of pancreatic enzymes, and small intestinal motility.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of SIBO include:
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Swelling
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Uncomfortable feeling of satiety after eating
Diarrhea
Unintentional weight loss
Malnutrition
When to see a doctor
Bloating, nausea, and diarrhea are signs and symptoms of many intestinal problems. See your doctor for a complete evaluation, especially if you have had abdominal surgery, if you have:
Persistent diarrhea
Rapid and involuntary weight loss
Abdominal pain that lasts more than a few days
If you have severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Risk factors
Several risk factors for SIBO have been identified:
Anatomical abnormalities such as small bowel diverticulosis
Post-surgical structural changes such as ileocecal valve resection, gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y
Drugs that decrease intestinal motility: narcotics, anticholinergics, antidiarrheals
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Hypo- or achlorhydria (lack or absence of gastric acid) due to surgery, autoimmune gastritis, or due to proton pump inhibitor antacids
Small bowel motility disorders (whatever the cause: celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, radiation enteritis, small bowel adhesions, diabetes, scleroderma and amyloidosis)
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