Mar 12, 2026
Talking to Your Doctor
Over a quarter of Americans feel ignored by their doctor when discussing gut health. Issues unaddressed can have widespread effects on overall health.
Chronic bloating, discomfort, and digestive distress can impact everything from nutrient absorption and immune function to hormone balance and cognitive health. Advocating for yourself is key—SIBO is a manageable condition, and the right diagnosis can set you on the path to remission.
Communicating your symptoms and concerns to your doctor is an essential first step toward treatment. Providing specific information about your health history will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and identify a treatment plan that works.
Important details to share include:
Bowel habits – How often you have a bowel movement and whether there are any irregularities (diarrhea, constipation, changes in color or odor).
Symptom patterns – What symptoms you experience (bloating, gas, pain) and when they occur (after meals, with certain foods, at night).
Medical history – Any conditions or past events that could contribute to SIBO, such as food poisoning, long-term antibiotic or opioid use, low stomach acid, or motility issues.
Getting Answers
Your doctor should be able to provide you with more information and respond to any concerns you may have regarding the diagnostic and treatment process for SIBO. Some questions you might consider asking your doctor include:
QUESTIONS ABOUT SYMPTOMS
Could my symptoms be caused by SIBO?
Could food intolerances (lactose, fructose, gluten) be related?
Could motility issues be contributing to my symptoms?
Should we check for vitamin deficiencies like B12?
QUESTIONS ABOUT TESTING
What tests are available to diagnose SIBO? How do they work?
How do you choose between breath testing and aspirate testing?
How should I prepare for the test?
What gases or bacteria will be measured? Why?
QUESTIONS ABOUT TREATMENT (If I test positive):
What treatment approach do you recommend?
Are antibiotics an option? Which ones?
Is an elemental diet an option?
Are herbal treatments appropriate?
How will we measure if treatment is working?
QUESTIONS ABOUT ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSE
What might be causing my SIBO?
Could a prior infection or food poisoning be a trigger?
Could an underlying condition be contributing?
QUESTIONS ABOUT PREVENTING RECURRENCE
What can I do to reduce the risk of recurrence?
What type of diet should I follow (Low Fermentation, Low FODMAP)?
How long should dietary changes be maintained?
What symptoms should prompt retesting?