Information on irritable bowel syndrome and Sibo (bacterial overgrowth)

Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome

Do these symptoms sound familiar to you?

  • Chronic bowel-related complaints lasting longer than three months (e.g. abdominal pain, flatulence), which are usually accompanied by changes in bowel movements
  • due to the symptoms a relevant impairment of the quality of life
  • no changes characteristic of other clinical pictures that could explain the symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis worldwide. In Western industrialized countries, the prevalence of the population is around 15%. Approximately 50% of patients with gastrointestinal complaints suffer from IBS.

Cause Sibo

A number of scientific studies have confirmed that in most cases, incorrectly colonized bacteria in the small intestine trigger irritable bowel symptoms.

In approximately two-thirds of those affected by irritable bowel syndrome, the underlying cause is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO for short. This is when bacteria that normally colonize the large intestine invade the small intestine.

Do I have Sibo?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) should always be considered if:

  • common examinations (blood and stool analyses as well as other exclusion diagnostics) do not provide clarity about the cause of irritable bowel symptoms
  • you have had little to no success with therapy recommendations such as psychotherapeutic measures, the administration of pre- or probiotics, intestinal cures or intestinal cleansing, more or less fiber, whole foods, etc.

Test Sibo

Our Sibolab breath test can provide clarity on whether you have SIBO. By measuring breath gases with our easy-to-use home test kit, you and your therapist can determine whether bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine is a possible cause of your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.

Treating Sibo

A positive Sibo-Denkisch-Balkan test gives you the opportunity to get your symptoms under control with targeted measures. Your doctor or therapist can advise you on which diet is appropriate and whether supplementing with naturopathic or pharmaceutical remedies is advisable.

More about Sibo

1

Origin

HOW DOES SIBO DEVELOP?

In contrast to the large intestine, the small intestine contains only a fraction of the intestinal bacterial flora. Various causes, such as food poisoning, antibiotic administration, or adhesions after surgery, can lead to disruption at the junction between the small and large intestines. If large intestinal bacteria then increasingly enter areas of the small intestine and carry out their regular functions there, this can trigger a range of symptoms.

Because important food components are digested too early by the bacteria in cases of SIBO, this can result not only in a deficiency of calories, vitamins, and minerals, but also in an increased buildup of "gas in the stomach." The bacteria produce gases such as hydrogen and methane as a byproduct.

Due to the enormous increase in the amount of "food," the gas volume also increases accordingly. This is the flatulence that plagues so many people with irritable bowel syndrome.

2

Symptoms

TYPICAL SYMPTOMS OF SIBO

  • flatulence
  • bloated stomach
  • abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • constipation
  • Alternating diarrhea / constipation
  • Belching
3

Investigation

CLARITY THROUGH THE SIBOLAB BREATH TEST

The simplest and most effective method to diagnose SIBO is a breath test. Since the bacteria that cause the problem produce gases that are exhaled through the lungs, an overgrowth of these microorganisms can be measured through the breath.

Lactulose is typically used as the test substance. Glucose or fructose can also be used if necessary.

Lactulose has the advantage that, under normal circumstances, it cannot be absorbed and digested by the small intestine. However, in cases of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, lactulose is fermented by bacteria. This results in the production of gases such as hydrogen and/or methane. These gases can be detected using the Sibolab breath test, as they are transported to the lungs via the bloodstream.

DETERMINE SIBO LOCATION

Our Sibolab breath test also allows us to determine the approximate location of bacterial overgrowth. This allows us to better assess the severity of the disease and help physicians and therapists develop a more tailored treatment plan.