Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: How to Diagnose and Treat (and Then Treat Again).

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: How to Diagnose and Treat (and Then Treat Again). Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2020 Sep;49(3):571-587 Authors: Ginnebaugh B, Chey WD, Saad R Abstract Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition with presentation that can vary from asymptomatic to steatorrhea and malnutrition. Small bowel aspiration and culture is the current gold standard of diagnosis; however, this is invasive and is not without risk to the patient. Breath testing is a noninvasive and less expensive alternative method; however, it lacks diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Novel diagnostic methods being studied include gas-sensing capsules. The mainstay of treatment is antibiotics; alternative therapies include herbal medications, dietary modifications, and prokinetic agents. Further investigation into less invasive and less harmful diagnostic methods and treatment options is warranted. PMID: 32718571 [PubMed - in process]
Source: The Medical Clinics of North America - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Gastroenterol Clin North Am Source Type: research