What is SIBO?
SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is just what it sounds like in the name.
It is a medical condition where large amounts of bacteria grow in your small intestine. While having certain types of bacteria in your gut is actually a good thing, problems arise because 1) there is just too much bacteria in your small intestine and 2) the types of bacteria that are overgrowing in your small intestine actually should be in your large intestine.
This causes problems because, when your small intestine is filled with bacteria belonging in your large intestine, it starts to act like a second large intestine causing the unpleasant symptoms of SIBO.
What is a Lactulose breath test?
The Lactulose breath test detects the amount and type of bacteria growth in your small intestine. It measures the levels of two gases, hydrogen and methane, that can be produced by these bacteria.
You’ll need to breathe into a breath collection device and, after the test, your collected breath will be sent to a lab and analyzed for excessive amounts of those gases, which will indicate whether you have SIBO and how severe your case is.
You will need to follow the SIBO Test Preparation Instructions prior to the test.
What should I expect?
If you think you might have SIBO or your digestive discomfort is related to SIBO, contact our office about booking a consultation with Dr. Dersam. During your consultation Dr. Dersam will discuss your options. If she believes you might have SIBO, a test will be ordered at that time and she will go over any SIBO test instructions. Once the test is complete it will be sent to an outside lab for processing and the results will be sent back to Integrative Medicine of Arizona.
If your test indicates you do have SIBO, Dr. Dersam will recommend a unique treatment protocol to treat SIBO and rebalance your normal gut flora. Each treatment is different, but may include antibacterial herbal supplements or antibiotics and supplements to promote healing and improved GI motility.
What should I expect after the test?
You may resume your normal diet immediately after the test.
Dr. Dersam will meet with you at a follow up appointment to go over your results and explain your individual treatment process, how that process will help get rid of SIBO, and how you can prevent a recurrence.
How do I know whether I should be tested?
If you are experiencing these common SIBO symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea, steatorrhea (fat in the stool), abnormal weight loss. Other common symptoms include: fatigue, brain fog, joint or muscle pain, headaches, rashes.
You may be at a higher risk of developing SIBO if you have any of the following clinical conditions:
- Rosacea
- Fibromyalgia
- Immunodeficiency syndromes
- Chronic pancreatitis
- End stage renal disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Obesity
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Short bowel syndrome
- Celiac Disease
- Long-term treatment with anti-secretory (e.g., PPIs) medications
- Structural/anatomic issues
- Motility disorders
- Organ system dysfunction
- Elderly age