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What Is The Relationship Between SIBO and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? The severity of these symptoms varies from mild to severe and is likely influenced by the degree of overgrowth and extent of mucosal inflammation.Ĭonstant use of antibiotics, chronic alcohol use, and celiac disease are all leading factors that could lead to the development of SIBO. Malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B12, may also be found in patients with SIBO. The symptoms of SIBO are non-specific and include bloating, abdominal pain/ distension, diarrhea, flatulence, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.
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Use of antibiotics, diminished gastric acid secretion, small intestinal dysmotility (including in patients with long-standing diabetes or celiac disease), history of chronic diarrhea, chronic alcohol use, and anatomical abnormalities of the GI tract are some of the predisposing factors that may increase the likelihood of developing SIBO. Studies have demonstrated reversal of mucosal damage after treatment for SIBO. Once present, it has been suggested that this imbalance of bacteria may induce an inflammatory response in the small intestinal mucosa which produces many of the symptoms associated with this condition. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is defined as an excess of bacteria in the small intestine.
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