Healthy individuals have some gas in their stomachs and intestines. However, in addition to this usual gas presence; there are also complaints of gas and bloating, called SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), which develops as a result of the growth of a large number of bacteria in the small intestines, 

Internal Medicine Specialists in Yeditepe University Hospitals answered our questions about SIBO disease, which occurs in the small intestine.

What Causes SIBO?

SIBO occurs when the intestinal balance is disturbed, as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of especially opportunistic and harmful bacteria in the small intestine, together with the bacteria found in the intestine under normal conditions.

What are the Symptoms of SIBO?

• Bloating and gas: The increase in the number of bacteria means that they create more metabolic reactions. As a result of these reactions, much more gas is formed in your intestines than normal, and this causes bloating.
• Abdominal pain and diarrhea: Bloating development can stretch the intestines and thus cause abdominal pain. This pain does not focus on a single spot and can be felt as a feeling of defecation. In addition, excessive fermentation of bacteria can cause diarrhea. (Although rare, SIBO patients can also have constipation problems.)
• Fatigue: Excessive bacterial growth can cause vitamin deficiency. The most common symptoms of vitamin deficiency are exhaustion and chronic fatigue.

How to Diagnose SIBO?

SIBO disease can be detected by measuring hydrogen and methane in breath. Accordingly, the patient can benefit from the probiotic to be selected. However, not every probiotic to be selected may be beneficial for the patient. Some of the bacteria in probiotics can trigger SIBO disease.

Who is More Likely to Have SIBO?

The incidence of SIBO is higher in people who generally consume carbohydrates, processed foods, and alcohol. 

How to Relieve SIBO Pain?

Complaints of extreme bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea can be associated with SIBO. The patient can be relieved by appropriate diet, probiotics, and antibiotic use in this condition, which is defined as excessive bacterial growth in the small intestines.

What Kind of Diseases Does SIBO Cause?

It has been emphasized that SIBO can trigger cardiovascular diseases, and insulin resistance and can be seen together with autoimmune diseases, in recent years.

How to Treat SIBO?

SIBO is a chronic disease. For this reason, it cannot be treated suddenly and quickly. Treatment is based on suppressing excessive growth by some anti-biotherapy agents, locally effective for the intestines. But unfortunately, most of these treatments recur after a short time. For this reason, natural options such as thyme oil, garlic, and black cumin oil can be preferred instead of antibiotics.