What is SIBO?
SIBO affects 1 in 9 adults, yet most have never heard of it.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
SIBO (pronounced “see-bo”) is a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that occurs when there is an overabundance of bacteria in your small intestine. While it’s normal to have bacteria in your small intestine, if it is the wrong kind or too many, it can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome and wreak havoc on your digestive system. These “disruptor” bacteria cause various health problems including painful bloating, diarrhea, constipation, brain fog, and fatigue.
SIBO is not a primary disease but rather a condition resulting from an underlying root issue that is causing the dysmotility. Common causes of SIBO include:
Other GI diseases, including IBS, IBD, Celiac disease, and others
Prescription medications such as antibiotics or opioids
Food poisoning
Despite its prevalence, SIBO is frequently overlooked, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. Many people with SIBO struggle for years with symptoms before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms of SIBO
SIBO results in many debilitating symptoms in the digestive system and beyond:
Types of SIBO
It can be useful to categorize SIBO by the major gases the overgrowth produces. There are three types: hydrogen dominant (SIBO), methane dominant (IMO) and hydrogen sulfide dominant. Because the gases are produced by different strains of bacteria or archaea that are over colonizing the small intestine, this is the clearest indicator of your type.
Antibiotic therapy can be tailored to target the specific type of overgrowth if known. Additionally, there are different symptom profiles associated with each type:
Hydrogen Dominant SIBO typically causes diarrhea in patients and overlaps with the symptoms of IBS-D.
Methane Dominant SIBO has been reclassified as Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO), as the methane producing microorganisms are archaea not bacteria. These methanogens are naturally present in the gut, but can overgrow in both the small intestine and the large intestine. IMO typically causes constipation and overlaps with the symptoms of IBS-C.
Hydrogen Sulfide Dominant SIBO typically causes diarrhea in patients, similar to hydrogen dominant SIBO. Certain breath tests measure hydrogen sulfide levels alongside hydrogen and methane and can help differentiate between the types when symptoms overlap.
SIBO Diagnosis
Official diagnosis of of SIBO can help guide effective treatment and improve digestive health. Consult with your doctor to determine the best method for you.
