Small bowel overgrowth symptoms

Recognize Small Intestinal Overgrowth (SIBO) Symptoms

The Small bowel overgrowth (SIBO) is a common disease that can occur primarily in people with chronic gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome. The condition is also known as "irritable bowel syndrome with a small bowel".

Small intestinal overgrowth is an infection of the small intestine caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoa. Small intestine overgrowth can cause a variety of symptoms, from mild abdominal pain and digestive problems to bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

Small intestine overgrowth can be caused by various factors. For example, people with chronic gastroenteritis or irritable bowel syndrome can be particularly susceptible to incorrect colonization. Certain medications or alcohol can also promote the development of defective colonization of the small intestine and the intensification of existing symptoms.

Reasons for small intestine overgrowth and remedy for the symptoms

Small bowel overgrowth can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common causes include:

  • Taking antibiotics, which can have a negative effect on the intestinal flora.
  • Unbalanced diet and eating spoiled food.
  • chronic stress.
  • Chronic inflammation of the gut that upsets the natural balance of the microbiome.
  • Autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Parasitic infections or other infectious diseases.

A successful treatment of a small intestine overgrowth starts with identifying the cause. It is important that if you suspect a small intestine overgrowth have a test done and talk to a doctor. They can recommend specific tests and advise you on what lifestyle changes are necessary to alleviate small bowel overgrowth symptoms. 

In many cases, the treatment involves a combination of changing your diet, taking antimicrobial preparations and, if necessary, preparations with certain strains of bacteria (probiotics). In some cases it may also be necessary to prescribe pharmaceutical antibiotics to treat the bacterial imbalance.