Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, also known as SIBO, is a condition of the small intestine which can quickly become quite serious if it is not treated quickly. SIBO can cause a lot of pain and can also be linked to diarrhea and malnutrition. It develops when a bacteria which usually reside outside of the small intestine make their way inside.
If you have been experiencing persistent gastrointestinal troubles like pain or diarrhea accompanied by weight loss, talk to your primary care physician immediately for a referral to a SIBO specialist in Las Vegas.
Doctors that diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions like SIBO are called gastroenterologists. They will perform a physical examination as well as medical testing to identify the presence of SIBO. Once the condition (along with any related condition) is diagnosed, the specialist will usually prescribe antibiotics and diet and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Chanu Dasari is a top Las Vegas Gastroenterologist, who has been providing award-winning care to his patients for over a decade.
You will likely be referred to visit a gastroenterologist in Las Vegas if you experience any of these symptoms:
To avoid further complications, you should seek medical advice immediately if you have noticed any symptoms like the ones listed above.
When you visit a SIBO specialist in Las Vegas, the doctor will usually perform an analysis of your medical history as well as physically inspect your body by gently feeling around your abdominal area. The gastroenterologist will then usually give a breath test to detect for certain gases that are released from the small intestine, which can confirm the presence of SIBO.
In a rare case, the breath test results can be inconclusive. In this situation, a sample of your bowel will be required to identify SIBO.
Treatments for SIBO usually include antibiotics to stop the growth of the harmful bacteria in your small intestine. These can include medications like:
Unfortunately, in most cases SIBO cannot be cured by simply consuming antibiotics. A real transformation of lifestyle and diet will likely be necessary to effectively eradicate SIBO. Your doctor will recommend that you take steps like:
These lifestyle changes can significantly improve the symptoms of SIBO, as well as improve your overall quality of life. A balanced diet combined with exercise and proper sleep habits is one of the most effective ways to treat and prevent SIBO and many other conditions.
Dr. Dasari is committed to providing the best care to all of his patients. He is an affiliate of Henderson Hospital, providing the best inpatient and outpatient surgical care closest to his patients. If you would like to have your gastrointestinal symptoms evaluated by Dr. Dasari, contact his clinic, Minimally Invasive Surgery, at (702) 602-6600 to schedule a consultation.