SIBO is an acronym for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It is a serious condition of the small intestine that occurs when bacteria that usually grow outside the small intestine end up inside of it. The resulting infection causes symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some extreme cases, malnutrition and weight loss.

Review the information below to determine if you should talk to your doctor about SIBO or related gastrointestinal problems. They will likely refer you to a Boulder City SIBO specialist, also known as a gastroenterologist if you experience persistent symptoms.

Dr. Chanu Dasari is a top Gastroenterologist in Boulder City, who has provided exceptional care to patients in the Las Vegas area for over 10 years.

SIBO is a serious condition that affects the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms include:

• Stomach ache after having food

• Cramps

• Bloating

• Diarrhea

• Indigestion

• Constipation

• Gas

• Heaviness and fullness

• Unexplained weight loss

If any of these sound familiar, do not wait to visit your doctor to get a referral to a specialist. SIBO can quickly become a life-threatening condition if left untreated.

In addition to the physical symptoms of SIBO that you may be experiencing, other gastrointestinal illnesses can significantly increase your risk factor for a SIBO infection. Be sure to tell the doctor of any previously diagnosed gastrointestinal or viral conditions such as:

• Diabetes

• HIV

• Crohn’s disease

• Celiac disease

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Scleroderma

Once potential risk factors have been determined, the doctor will perform a physical examination by gently touching the area around your abdomen. If they suspect the presence of SIBO, the Boulder City SIBO specialist will administer a breath test to detect methane and hydrogen gasses, which accurately indicate small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

In the rare case that this test yields inconclusive results, you may be required to have a sample of your bowel evaluated for a final diagnosis.

Treatment of SIBO usually involves consuming antibiotics and probiotics, as well as making lasting changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Antibiotics

To control the growth of the bacteria, antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, rifaximin, or metronidazole will likely be prescribed by the doctor. In severe cases, intravenous therapy is suggested to counter dehydration or malnutrition.

Probiotics

The use of probiotics also aids the recovery of good bacteria in the intestines. A study conducted in 2010 suggested that probiotic treatments can be more beneficial than antibiotics for the treatment of SIBO. Probiotics have been used for centuries to resolve numerous problems related to all systems of the body, most notably the digestive system and women’s reproductive systems.

Dietary Changes

While antibiotics will stop the growth of the bacteria, they don’t fully treat the issue. If SIBO is the result of an underlying problem, you require a proper treatment plan that will likely require changes in your diet.

Having a nutritious and balanced diet paired with proper exercise and sleep habits is the best way to maintain a healthy digestive system. Consuming food in smaller portions may also be necessary to allow the intestines to heal properly. Those found to have SIBO caused by Celiacs disease or gluten intolerance will have to remove gluten from their diet.

An elemental diet might also be recommended in some more extreme cases, where food and drinks are replaced with liquid formulas for a certain period to allow more severely damaged intestines to heal.