Stop the bloating and discomfort with SIBO testing and treatment options

SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is a common condition estimated to affect up to 15 percent of adults. It occurs when bacteria proliferate in higher amounts than usual in the small intestine, causing unpleasant bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, or nausea. Many people with SIBO will go undiagnosed, but effective testing and treatment options can help you regain your quality of life. At Atlantic Gastroenterology in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Alexander Shapsis works with patients individually to diagnose and treat SIBO.

SIBO testing options

Even if you are confident that you have SIBO, testing is vital for effectively treating the condition. There are two primary types of SIBO – methane and hydrogen – which respond differently to the available treatment options. A breath test is the most accurate way to diagnose SIBO and determine whether it is hydrogen or methane; it requires fasting for 12 hours and then multiple tests over several hours. Other testing options include a urine test, which is easier than the breath test but does not distinguish between SIBO types. A stool test identifies elevated bacteria in the gut and can also help diagnose other gastrointestinal problems.

Treating SIBO

It is possible to get SIBO under control, but it often requires a multi-faceted approach that may include the following:

Dietary adjustments: primarily eating lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats while avoiding sugars, grains, alcohol, and legumes will “starve out” the bacterial overgrowth.
Antibiotics: a course of antibiotics can help to kill off the bacteria; different antibiotics are used for methane vs. hydrogen SIBO, so it is important to know which type you have for this treatment option to work
Addressing underlying causes: Dr. Shapsis will work closely with you to diagnose and treat any underlying causes that have contributed to the development of SIBO, which will help keep it under control in the future.

Get the answers you need

If you have been searching for “SIBO testing near me” and live in the Brooklyn, NY area, the team at Atlantic Gastroenterology is here to help you get the answers and relief you need. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexander Shapsis, call 718 521-2840 today.