SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Testing Melbourne

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine — particularly types of bacteria not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract. SIBO commonly results when a circumstance slows the passage of food and waste products in the digestive tract, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The excess bacteria often cause diarrhoea, bloating and may cause weight loss and malnutrition.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of SIBO often include:

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Bloating
• An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating
• Diarrhoea
• Unintentional weight loss
• Malnutrition
• IBS symptoms*

A double-blind randomized study* revealed that 84% of IBS patients exhibited bacterial overgrowth based on SIBO breath testing.

* Am J Gastroenterol. 2003 Feb;98 (2):412-9. Normalization of SIBO breath testing correlates with symptom improvement in irritable bowel syndrome. a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Pimentel M, Chow EJ, Lin HC.

Complications

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can cause persistent digestive problems, including:

• Poor absorption of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Bile salts, which are normally needed to digest fats, are broken down by the excess bacteria in your small intestine, resulting in incomplete digestion of fats and diarrhea. Bacterial products may also harm the mucous lining (mucosa) of the small intestine, resulting in decreased absorption of carbohydrates and proteins.

Bacteria can compete for available food. And compounds produced through the bacterial break-down of stagnant food can also trigger diarrhea. Together, these effects of bacterial overgrowth result in diarrhea, malnutrition and weight loss.

• Vitamin deficiency. As a result of incomplete absorption of fats, your body can’t fully absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Bacteria in the small intestine synthesize as well as use vitamin B-12, which is essential for the normal functioning of your nervous system and the production of blood cells and DNA.

The overgrowth of bacteria can result in B-12 deficiency that can lead to weakness, fatigue, tingling, and numbness in your hands and feet and, in advanced cases, to mental confusion. Damage to your central nervous system resulting from B-12 deficiency may be irreversible.

• Weakened bones (osteoporosis). Over time, damage to your intestine from abnormal bacterial growth causes poor calcium absorption, and eventually may lead to bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.
• Kidney stones. Poor calcium absorption may also eventually result in kidney stones.

Breath testing for the diagnosis of SIBO is widely used by medical practitioners in the USA and Australia.

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Step 1. Make an appointment by calling 9781 5959   

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Only $50 Per Test with a Medicare Rebate

As part of the range of diagnostic services Direct Endoscopy we are pleased to offer a variety of tests for the investigation of intolerance to dietary components as well as breath test for testing of SIBO. Any potential concerns should be discussed with your doctor or contact Direct Endoscopy for more information about SIBO breath testing.

Frequently Asked Questions