(SBBO; Bacterial Overgrowth, Small Bowel; Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth; SIBO; Bacterial Overgrowth, Small Intestine)
Definition
Definition
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) occurs when there is a build-up of too much bacteria in the small bowel.
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Causes
Causes
SBBO is often caused by an abnormality in the small bowel. Food is not able to flow properly though the intestines. Conditions that may cause this include:
- Birth defect
- Injury
- Surgery
- Digestive disorders
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of SBBO include:
- Crohn’s disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Short bowel syndrome
- Diverticulitis
- Intestinal stricture (narrowing in the small intestine)
- Digestive disorders, such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance
- Blind loop syndrome (when part of the intestine is bypassed)
- Intestinal infections, such as food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea
- Cirrhosis
- Diabetes
- Chronic pancreatitis
- End-stage kidney or liver disease
Other risk factors include:
- Intestinal surgery
- An obstruction in the small intestine
- Weakened immune system
- Older age
Any condition that affects how food moves through the small bowel may increase the risk of SBBO.
Symptoms
Symptoms
SBBO may cause:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and gas
- Feeling of fullness
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamins B12, A, D, E, iron, or thiamine
- Weight loss
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include
- Blood tests
- Breath tests—to analyze certain gases that may be present after fasting and eating specific sugars
- Culture of intestinal fluid (aspirate)—a catheter is used to get a sample of fluid from the small bowel
Treatment
Treatment
The goals are to:
- Reduce the levels of harmful bacteria in the small bowel
- Treat the underlying condition
Medications
Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat SBBO. Usually treatment is temporary, but in some cases you may need to take antibiotics for a longer period.
Nutritional Support
To make sure that you get the proper nutrients, you may need to:
- Work with a dietitian
- Follow a special diet, such as a carbohydrate-restricted diet
- Take vitamins and/or supplements
- Take probiotics
In some cases, tube feeding is needed with a special formula.
Surgery
For severe cases, surgery may be needed. This is done to correct an abnormality in the small bowel.
Prevention
Prevention
If you have any of the conditions that are linked to SBBO, get proper treatment. This may reduce your chance of having a build-up of bacteria in the small bowel.
RESOURCES:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca
References:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal_disorders/malabsorption_syndromes/bacterial_overgrowth_syndrome.html
Updated May 2014. Accessed September 29, 2014.
Bures J, Cyrany J, Kohoutova D, et al. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16(24):2978–2990.
Lactose and glucose hydrogen breath test. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/hic_Lactose_and_Glucose_Hydrogen_Breath_Test
Accessed September 29, 2014.
Lin H. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. JAMA. 2004;292(7):852-858.
Parrish C. Nutritional consequences of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. University of Virginia, School of Medicine website. Available at:
http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/medicine/divisions/digestive-health/nutrition-support-team/nutrition-articles/DiBaiseArticle.pdf
Published December 2008. Accessed September 29, 2014.
Short bowel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated May 6, 2014. Accessed September 29, 2014.
Vanderhoof J, Young R. Bacterial overgrowth. The Oley Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.oley.org/lifeline/bacter.html
Accessed September 29, 2014.
Vanderhoof J, Young R, Murray N, Kaufman SS. Treatment strategies for small bowel bacterial overgrowth in short bowel syndrome. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1998;27(2):155-160.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013