The presenting hallmark symptoms of SIBO are bloating, flatulence, early satiety, abdominal discomfort, and in some cases chronic diarrhea.
“You get a lot of gas and bloating. Patients will say, ‘I eat a small amount and feel full; I look like I’m pregnant; I have a lot of gas. What’s wrong with me?’ Chances are they have SIBO,” Dr. Mahadevan said. “The older you get the more SIBO you have.”
First-line treatment, aimed at diminishing small bowel bacteria, is rifaximin at 550 mg three times per day for 10-14 days.
“This is a very low-risk antibiotic. And it’s very effective for SIBO, but patients may need multiple courses,” according to the gastroenterologist.