Small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is when there are too many bacteria in the small intestine. It leads to many problems. The exact reason isn’t known. But, problems with stomach acid, slow digestion, and certain medications can play a role. Age and diseases like diabetes and IBS make it more likely to happen.
Symptoms of SBBO are similar to other stomach issues. These include stomach pain, feeling too full, and trouble digesting food. Not everyone with these symptoms has SBBO. Doctors use special tests to confirm it.
SBBO is treated with antibiotics to lower the bacteria. Solving the underlying problem is important too. This may include surgery in some cases. Yet, new methods like using stem cells are being studied to see if they help. More research is required to know if this is a good treatment for SBBO.
Key Takeaways:
- SBBO is a disorder characterized by excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to various symptoms and complications.
- Possible causes of SBBO include low stomach acid, slow-moving digestion, structural problems in the intestines, and medication overuse.
- Risk factors for SBBO include age, medical conditions (such as diabetes, lupus, and IBS), and certain surgeries.
- Common symptoms of SBBO include stomach pain, feeling too full, and trouble digesting food.
- Diagnosing SBBO requires special tests to be sure.
Causes and Risk Factors of SBBO
SBBO can have different causes, often linked to its development. Low stomach acid is a key reason. It upsets the bacteria balance in the small intestine. Medications like antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and infections lower stomach acid. This change can lead to SBBO. Digestion moving slowly can be another cause. It lets bacteria increase in the small intestine. Issues with nerves and muscles in the intestines or low thyroid hormone can slow digestion.
Structural problems in the intestines, from surgery or diverticulosis, give bacteria more room. Also, using too many antibiotics or narcotics can affect the gut’s bacterial balance. Age and some health conditions, including diabetes and digestive diseases, raise the risk of SBBO. Other risks include past stomach surgery, obesity, or having had radiation to the belly.
| Causes | Risk Factors |
|---|---|
| Low stomach acid | Age |
| Medication use (antacids, proton pump inhibitors) | Diabetes |
| Infections (H. pylori) | Lupus |
| Slow-moving digestion | Celiac disease |
| Structural problems in the intestines | IBDs |
| Medication overuse (antibiotics, narcotics) | History of stomach surgery |
| Radiation treatments of the abdomen |
Diagnosis and Treatment of SBBO
Figuring out if someone has SBBO is hard because its symptoms are like other stomach problems. Doctors use several tests to check for it. A hydrogen breath test measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath after you drink something sweet. Lots of hydrogen might mean you have too much bacteria in your small intestine. Another test involves taking a small sample of fluid from your intestine during a special exam. This fluid is checked for bacteria and other bugs. Other tests, like blood and stool tests, can show how bad the condition is.
To treat SBBO, the first step is to kill off the extra bacteria with antibiotics. The specific antibiotic used can be determined by the results of the breath test. Medicines that help your gut move things along can also be given. These can make digestion better. Changing your diet and taking certain supplements are important too. This helps with any health issues the SBBO might cause. Sometimes, surgery is needed to fix the gut’s structure.
In some cases, doctors might suggest stem cell therapy for SBBO. But, this treatment is still being researched. The goal is to find out if it’s safe and really works. Managing SBBO means tackling its roots, easing symptoms, and stopping any bad outcomes. Keeping regular visits with a stomach doctor is crucial. This lets them watch how you’re doing and change the treatment if needed.