Many times, symptoms of bloating are just normal and unfortunate by-products of digestion and can be caused by eating high-fibre foods, or certain foods that are commonly associated with gas production. However, when this excess gas and bloating is present all or most of the time and a person may have added symptoms of nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and even fatigue and loss of concentration it could be due to SIBO.
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, said the Mayo Clinic.
The health site added: “This condition is sometimes called blind loop syndrome.
“SIBO commonly results when a circumstance such as surgery or disease causing a slow passage of food and waste products in the digestive tract, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
“Bloating, nausea and diarrhoea are signs and symptoms of many intestinal problems.”
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Other signs of SIBO include:
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating
Unintentional weight loss
Malnutrition
The small intestine is normally where the products of digestion of food are absorbed into the body.
However, with SIBO, the excess bacteria will feed on your nutrients, possibly causing malabsorption or the breakdown of the normal mucosal barrier of the bowel leading to inflammation or immune activation.
This can cause the symptoms you may feel as bloating, distension, gas, pain, diarrhoea, and “inflammation.”
Its strongly advised to see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of SIBO.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
They’ll also do a physical examination, which may include palpating, or gently feeling the abdomen.
They may also order blood, faecal, or other tests.
