A Deeper Look Into the Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for SIBO

If you’ve been experiencing common gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort or other digestive issues, you might assume you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a sensitive stomach. While digestive problems can have many causes, a condition known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) could be a contributing factor. Understanding this condition, its symptoms and available treatment for SIBO can help you take the next step towards finding relief.

In this article, we’ll explain what SIBO is, address its symptoms and causes, explore how it’s treated and take a look at how SIBO differs from IBS. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of SIBO, it’s important to get a proper evaluation. If left untreated, SIBO can contribute to nutritional deficiencies and ongoing digestive issues. At RMG Gastroenterology, our board-certified gastroenterologists have helped hundreds in Raleigh and the Triangle community find relief from digestive problems and improve the quality of their lives. We invite you to request an appointment with us today.  

What is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)?

SIBO is an excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine.

Bacteria naturally occur throughout your digestive tract to help support digestion and overall health. Most of these bacteria belong in the large intestine (colon).  

When SIBO occurs, an overabundance of bacteria in the small intestine begins fermenting food before your body can properly digest it and absorb its nutrients. This process can trigger uncomfortable digestive symptoms. 

SIBO is not typically considered a standalone condition but is instead associated with an underlying health issue. We’ll address potential causes of SIBO later in this article. 

What Are the Symptoms of SIBO?

Symptoms of SIBO often overlap with those of IBS, food intolerances or other digestive conditions. This is why proper diagnosis is so important. 

The combination of symptoms and their intensity varies by person. Common SIBO symptoms may include:

• Bloating, especially after meals
• Abdominal cramping or pain 
• Excessive gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Feeling overly full after eating

Bacterial overgrowth can lead to poor nutrient absorption, which may also cause symptoms including: 

• Fatigue
• Low energy or weakness
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Unintentional weight loss

More severe symptoms may include:

• Greasy or oily stools
• Foul-smelling stools
• Signs of malnutrition
• Other persistent digestive symptoms that interfere with daily life

What Causes SIBO?

Several factors can contribute to developing SIBO. These factors may include:

• Slowed movement in the digestive tract. When the regular contractions meant to move food, waste, and bacteria through the small intestine slow down, bacteria have more time to accumulate.
• Structural changes in the digestive system. Previous abdominal surgeries, scar tissue, intestinal diverticula and partial blockages may create pockets where bacteria can collect. 
• Medical conditions. Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and scleroderma can interfere with intestinal motility, causing bacteria in the small intestine to multiply.
• Reduced stomach acid. Certain medications and health conditions can reduce stomach acid, which plays a protective role in limiting excessive bacterial growth. 

 It’s important to identify the cause of SIBO so we can create an appropriate treatment plan and help prevent the likelihood of recurrence.

How is SIBO Treated?

An accurate diagnosis is the first step in treatment. 

This is typically done using non-invasive breath tests to measure gases produced by the bacteria in your digestive tract. In some cases, we may recommend additional testing to assess nutritional deficiencies or identify other contributing factors.

Common treatments for SIBO vary depending on your symptoms and medical history and may include:

• Antibiotics. Antibiotic medications are used to reduce bacterial growth. 
• Nutritional support. This approach seeks to correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies via vitamin B12 or iron supplements.
• Dietary modifications. Though diet alone does not cure SIBO, dietary changes, such as a low-FODMAP diet that eliminates certain carbohydrates that are difficult to digest, may help manage symptoms. 
• Treating the underlying cause. Long-term treatment that helps prevent recurrence involves addressing the underlying cause of SIBO. This may include managing diabetes, thyroid, autoimmune disorders or other conditions that can interfere with intestinal motility. 

Is There a Difference Between SIBO and IBS?

Both SIBO and IBS can cause similar symptoms, such as:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea or constipation

These conditions differ, however. 

• SIBO involves bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine that can usually be detected using diagnostic testing. 
• IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, in which symptoms may not have a clearly identifiable structural or biochemical cause.

Some people diagnosed with IBS may also have SIBO or another underlying digestive issue. 

Treatment approaches may differ for each, so a thorough medical evaluation is essential to confirm which gastrointestinal condition you may have. This will ensure you receive the most effective treatment. 

We encourage you to contact us to request an appointment if you have persistent symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life.

RMG Gastroenterology: Expert Care and Treatment of Digestive Health Conditions from Our Board-Certified Gastroenterologists

SIBO is a common but often overlooked cause of digestive symptoms. Even if your discomfort is mild, persistent symptoms should not be dismissed. Left untreated, SIBO can lead to nutrient deficiencies and ongoing digestive issues.

At RMG Gastroenterology, our expert gastroenterologists can help determine whether SIBO or another gastrointestinal condition is contributing to your symptoms. We’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you find meaningful symptom relief, improve your digestive health and enhance your quality of life.

We encourage you to request an appointment with us today.