Treatment of SIBO at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a syndrome of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, in which bacteria multiply excessively in a section of the digestive tract where their number should be limited. This disorder can lead to a range of gastrointestinal complaints and impair the proper absorption of nutrients. If you struggle with chronic bloating, abdominal pain or digestive problems and are looking for specialist help in Warsaw or Płock, we invite you to OpenMed. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach in SIBO is tailored to the cause and severity of the symptoms.
From a medical point of view, SIBO is not a disease in itself but a disorder that develops as a consequence of other health problems. Normally, the small intestine contains far fewer bacteria than the large intestine. When there is impaired motility of the digestive tract, anatomical changes or other factors favoring microbial growth, the number of bacteria increases, leading to fermentation of consumed food and the appearance of characteristic symptoms.
Causes and symptoms of SIBO
Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine can have many causes. The most common include impaired gastrointestinal motility, irritable bowel syndrome, previous abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and the long-term use of certain medications. In some cases SIBO coexists with other gastroenterological conditions, which is why it is so important to find the source of the problem rather than merely treating the symptoms themselves.
Symptoms of SIBO are often nonspecific and may resemble other diseases of the digestive tract. Most often patients report chronic bloating, a feeling of fullness after meals, excessive gas, abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Some people experience diarrhea, while in others constipation predominates. Long-lasting disturbances can lead to deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, weight loss, chronic fatigue and a deterioration in well-being.
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What does SIBO diagnosis at OpenMed look like?
The basis of diagnosis is a detailed medical history and an analysis of the symptoms present. The doctor assesses the nature of the complaints, their duration, the patient's diet and coexisting diseases. Excluding other conditions that may cause similar symptoms is also important.
The test most commonly used in diagnosing SIBO is the breath test. It involves measuring the concentration of hydrogen and methane in exhaled air after administering an appropriate substrate. The result allows assessment of whether excessive bacterial fermentation is occurring in the small intestine. Depending on the clinical situation, the doctor may also recommend additional laboratory or gastroenterological tests that help determine the cause of the problem.
SIBO treatment and therapy plan
Effective treatment of SIBO requires an individual approach. Merely reducing symptoms is usually not enough if the cause of the bacterial overgrowth is not removed. At OpenMed, the therapy plan is developed based on test results, the patient's health status and the presence of coexisting diseases.
Treatment may include:
- appropriately selected pharmacotherapy aimed at limiting excessive bacterial overgrowth,
- modification of the diet and dietary support,
- treatment of the underlying disease that led to the development of SIBO,
- monitoring the effects of therapy and further management to prevent recurrence.
In many cases, an important element of therapy is cooperation between the doctor and the dietitian. An appropriately chosen nutritional model can help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.
Monitoring and preventing recurrence
SIBO tends to recur, especially if the cause of the disorder is not identified. For this reason, treatment does not end once well-being improves. The doctor monitors the effects of therapy, assesses the risk of recurrence and modifies the recommendations if needed.
SIBO treatment - FAQ
The most common are bloating, a feeling of fullness after meals, excessive gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation.
The basic test is a breath test that assesses the concentration of hydrogen and methane in exhaled air.
In many cases it is possible to effectively control the symptoms and limit bacterial overgrowth, but the risk of recurrence depends on the cause of the disorder.
Yes, appropriately chosen dietary recommendations are often an important part of therapy and help reduce the severity of symptoms.
If chronic bloating, abdominal pain or bowel disturbances persist for a long time and affect daily functioning, it is worth consulting a specialist.