SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is a critical condition of the small intestine that occurs when bacteria that normally reside in the tissue outside of the vital organs makes its way into the small intestine. This bacteria causes excruciating abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea and, in a few cases, malnutrition.

Symptoms of SIBO often include:

• Pain in the stomach after meals

• Abdominal cramps

• Constant feeling of fullness

• Loose stools

• Constipation

• Indigestion

• Persistent gas

• Unexplained weight loss

Anyone who experiences any of the signs mentioned above for longer than a few days should seek medical advice.

In order to reach a diagnosis, the doctor will review your medical history for risk factors and perform a physical exam by feeling around your abdomen for abnormalities. They might also take a breath sample to test for the presence of methane and hydrogen gas, which is typically a conclusive indicator of SIBO.

In the occasional case of an unclear result from the breath test, you may be asked to provide a bowel sample for a more thorough evaluation.

If left untreated, SIBO can become life-threatening in a short amount of time. SIBO often requires active treatment in the form of medication; when paired with dietary changes, this can sufficiently eradicate the bacterial overgrowth.