What is SIBO?
SIBO Signs and Symptoms: Today we’re diving into the topic of SIBO, which stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. The super basics of it is that this condition happens when there are too many bacteria in the small intestine. The majority of the bacteria in your digestive tract SHOULD be in the large intestine, so when too many of them end up in the small intestine, you can experience a ton of symptoms and have a very unhappy gut. (There are a lot more nuances to it of course, but for today we’ll stick to the big picture overview).
What are (some) of the Signs and Symptoms of SIBO?
1. Bloating – Bloating is a common symptom where your abdomen feels super full and tight, often like it’s distended. This can be particularly uncomfortable and can happen even if you haven’t eaten a large meal. For some patients it can even happen after they drink water!
2. Excessive Gas – Everyone experiences gas, but with SIBO, the amount can be much higher. This leads to frequent belching or passing gas, which can sometimes be very smelly.
3. Abdominal Pain – Pain in the stomach area is another frequent symptom. This pain can vary from mild to severe and might come and go. If you experience pain, keep note of where you’re feeling it and what it feels like. This can help your clinician narrow down why it might be happening.
4. Diarrhea – SIBO can cause frequent, watery bowel movements. Diarrhea is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to dehydration and nutrient loss.
5. Constipation – On the flip side, some people with SIBO experience constipation, making it difficult to have regular bowel movements. This can be painful and frustrating and can cause other issues like hemorrhoids or fissures.
6. Diarrhea AND Constipation – You might also be one of the “lucky” patients who experience both constipation and diarrhea. This is actually super common with SIBO and something I see a lot in practice.
7. Feeling Full Quickly – You might notice that you feel full after eating only a small amount of food. This early satiety can make it hard to eat enough nutrients and may be a sign that you’re experiencing a ton of bloating too.
8. Nausea – Feeling nauseous or having an upset stomach is another symptom. This can sometimes lead to vomiting, although it’s not as common.
9. Fatigue – Feeling extremely tired, even with enough sleep, is another symptom. This fatigue can affect your daily activities and overall quality of life. SIBO is hard on the body and everything from poor nutrient absorption to
10. IBS Diagnosis – Has anyone ever told you that they think you have IBS or that you should try a “low fodmap” diet? This is so common for so many of my SIBO patients! A really high percentage of people who have been diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) actually have SIBO as a root cause.
Why Does SIBO Happen?
SIBO can occur for various reasons. One really common reason for SIBO getting started is food poisoning or infection from gastroenteritis. Sometimes, it’s due to problems with the muscles in your digestive system, which can affect how food and bacteria move (or don’t move) through your intestines. Other times, it can be related to medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, diabetes, or scleroderma. Certain medications, especially antibiotics, can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, leading to SIBO.
I think I have SIBO. Now What?
If you suspect you have SIBO, it’s important to get it figured out ASAP. Dr Morgenstern has a ton of experience treating patients with SIBO and all sorts of digestive concerns. We’ll go through all of your symptoms and can do testing and recommend treatments to help manage the condition and alleviate symptoms. If you notice persistent digestive issues, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Stay informed and take care of your health and book in with Dr Morgenstern right away so we can help get you sorted out.