WHAT IS SIBO?
Surprisingly, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a fairly common bacterial disorder. It can often go undiagnosed for years and make your quality of life very poor. SIBO is a dysfunction of the small bowel that allows bacteria to proliferate above normal levels. Unlike the colon, which should contain a lot of highly active bacteria, a healthy small intestine is not heavily colonized. Bacteria can accumulate in the small intestine if there is damage from inflammation or any obstruction that prevents food from being moved through the intestine with ease. Nerve or muscle damage, scarring, abnormalities in the intestinal lining and certain medications can also affect the small bowel in this way.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
If you have SIBO, you may notice a number of symptoms including:
- Abdominal Bloating and Distention
- Stomach Pain
- Excessive Eructation (burbing)
- Excessive Flatulence (passing gas)
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
WHY DIAGNOSING SIBO MATTERS.
I want all of my patients to live healthier, happier and more engaged lives. Burping, abdominal distention, stomach pain, fatigue and passing excessive amounts of gas can make one’s quality of life very poor. These symptoms often go undiagnosed for years and long term SIBO can even lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Since SIBO can also have the same symptoms of other health conditions, GI testing is important in determining the appropriate course of treatment. For instance, SIBO can have the same general symptoms as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), however the treatment protocol is different.
EASY TESTING.
The Lactulose Breath Test that is used to diagnose SIBO, a condition that is often the underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Our office is equipped with the Quintron Hydrogen Breath Test, the premiere testing device which precisely measures the presence of gases such as hydrogen and methane in the breath. This is the most accurate machine available for breath testing and it is the device of choice for Cedars Sinai Medical Center as well. This easy, in office test takes approximately two and half hours. Over a two hour period, we collect breath samples every 15 minutes in order to measure hydrogen and methane levels. A high concentration of either hydrogen or methane is suggestive of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
COURSE OF TREATMENT.
Depending on your SIBO breath test results, you will receive a 10-14 day course of locally acting antibiotics. These drugs target and kill the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine but are not absorbed in your stomach or into the rest of your body. After you take the antibiotics, we also work with you to change your diet to make your food choices less processed and more wholesome. There are certain food items you will be asked to avoid, plus we will ask you to drink a lot of water to flush your system.
When it comes to your gastrointestinal health, with Peyton P. Berookim, MD, FACG at Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California, you can be certain you are receiving the most cutting edge treatment and heartfelt care . Please call our office at 310.271.1122 or, for your convenience, Request an Appointment online with Dr. Berookim.