Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: causes, remedies & treatment options

When a person's natural intestinal flora becomes unbalanced, a condition known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can occur. The consequences of such an overgrowth can be very unpleasant and impair quality of life. In this article, you'll learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

The natural human intestinal flora is a complex ecosystem consisting of various bacterial species. These bacteria are essential for digestion and metabolism, they produce vitamins, and regulate the immune system. A healthy intestinal flora is therefore important for overall human health.

How does small intestinal bacterial overgrowth occur?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurs when the natural balance of intestinal flora is disrupted and certain types of bacteria gain the upper hand in the small intestine. This can lead to digestive problems, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and other symptoms. The causes of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are not yet fully understood. Possible causes include food poisoning, poor diet, drug therapies such as antibiotic treatments or surgeries with subsequent adhesions in the intestine, and even significant stress. Certain diseases such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease can also increase the risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.