The SIBO Epidemic: The Hidden Offender Behind IBS Symptoms
Aug 06, 2023
The SIBO Epidemic: The Hidden Offender Behind IBS Symptoms
Let’s talk about a not-so-well-known yet prevalent health condition that affects a significant portion of the United States population - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). If you're one of the 15% of people in the US who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you might be interested to know that a staggering 83% of those cases are caused by an often overlooked but treatable culprit: SIBO.
Before we look at the nitty-gritty details, let's take a moment to understand what IBS and SIBO actually are. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder (but a garbage diagnosis because it doesn’t explain the nuance) that can lead to bothersome symptoms like constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. It's frustratingly unpredictable, and for years, its root cause has remained somewhat elusive. However, recent research has shed light on a connection between IBS and SIBO.
So, what is SIBO? In a nutshell, it's a condition where there's an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Normally, the small intestine is home to relatively low levels of bacteria, as most of them reside in the large intestine. When the balance tips, and these bacteria begin to colonize the small intestine, it can lead to a host of unpleasant symptoms, such as gut pain, GERD,constipation, bloating and diarrhea.
Now, let's dive into the numbers. As mentioned earlier, a whopping 83% of IBS cases in the US can be attributed to SIBO. That's a significant number! It means that millions of people who have been living with IBS-like symptoms might find relief if the underlying cause of their discomfort is correctly identified as SIBO.
The bad news is that SIBO is not a one-and-done affair for most people. About 2/3 of those diagnosed with SIBO will experience recurrences of the condition. This is where it becomes crucial to address the root cause rather than just managing the symptoms on a superficial level.
So, what can be done about it? Most doctors will prescribe 2 weeks of Rifaximin, a specific and very expensive antibiotic, and then have nothing further to offer. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. While Rifaximin might work wonders for only 1/3 of SIBO patients, helping them become one and done after treatment, the remaining 2/3 might require further interventions or follow-up treatments. Usually that is when they find me!
It's important to remember that SIBO can be caused by a variety of factors, and each person's journey to healing will be unique. Lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and other targeted therapies may be necessary to address the underlying issues contributing to SIBO.
One of the key takeaways here is the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers and the general public about the prevalence and implications of SIBO. All too often, IBS is treated as a blanket wastebasket diagnosis without delving deeper into the potential underlying causes, such as SIBO. By shining a spotlight on this condition, we can help many individuals find relief and lead more comfortable lives.
If you or someone you know has been struggling with IBS symptoms, it might be time to consider the possibility of SIBO as the underlying cause. Armed with this knowledge, you can approach your healthcare provider with a well-informed perspective and explore potential treatments, to target the root cause and improve your quality of life.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right guidance and support, finding the path to healing is within reach. Stay curious and stay informed!
