SIBO is an acronym for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, which occurs when bacteria that develop outside the small intestine make their way into the small intestine. SIBO is a very serious condition of the small intestine, which can commonly cause pain and diarrhea. These bacteria also feed on the nutrients of the body, which results in malnutrition.

Doctors that specialize in treating SIBO and related diseases of the digestive system are called gastroenterologists. ​These specialists can help identify and alleviate symptoms related to this infection. Dr. Chanu Dasari is a top SIBO Specialist in Henderson.

SIBO is a serious illness of the intestines, and usually is a result of an underlying disease like Crohn’s disease or diabetes. You should schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately if you are experiencing:

• Stomach ache following eating or drinking

• Bloating

• Cramps

• Indigestion

• Diarrhea

• Indigestion

• Constipation

• Gas

• Weight loss

• Feeling of heaviness or fullness

Your doctor will likely recommend that you visit a gastroenterologist if you have persistent symptoms of SIBO.

At the beginning of your examination, the doctor will usually inquire about your medical and family history. Be sure to mention any prior diagnoses of any of these illnesses, as they significantly increase your risk factor for SIBO:

• Crohn’s disease

• Diabetes

• HIV

• Hypothyroidism

• Scleroderma

• Parkinson’s disease

The doctor will also perform a physical exam of your abdomen by applying light pressure and listening through their stethoscope. If the doctor suspects that you may be suffering from SIBO, they may require that you undergo a breath test, which pinpoints methane or hydrogen gas released from your small intestine. This allows for a conclusive diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

If the breath test returns as inconclusive, a sample of your bowel may be required to identify the condition.

Once determining that you are suffering from SIBO, the doctor will likely recommend changes in your lifestyle, as well as prescribe antibiotics and other medical procedures to treat your condition.

Antibiotic treatments include medications like ciprofloxacin, rifaximin, and metronidazole. These prescriptions will help stop the growth of the harmful bacteria in your small intestine. To counter issues like dehydration or malnutrition, the doctor may recommend intravenous therapy.

SIBO cannot be cured by merely taking antibiotics, as the antibiotics only help stop the bacteria from growing. A proper change in lifestyle and diet is also required to fix issues related to SIBO.

Your doctor will make suggestions like:

• Eating a more balanced, nutritious diet

• Consuming food in smaller portions

• Switching to a gluten-free diet

• Taking probiotics to restore healthy gut flora

According to a study conducted in 2010, the use of probiotics was found to be more effective in treating SIBO than using antibiotics. Though the results of this study were later found to be inconclusive, probiotic treatments have been used for centuries to aid in relieving various conditions related to the digestive system.