IBS and SIBO are separate medical conditions, but they commonly coexist. In fact, up to 80%
of IBS patients may also have SIBO. SIBO and IBS can also be connected and share many
similar symptoms. In some cases, SIBO can actually be a result of IBS. IBS and SIBO may be
quite similar and even overlap at times; however, they require two different types of testing to
diagnose each condition properly.
What Is SIBO?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) happens when bacteria that is usually found in the
large intestine or elsewhere in the body starts to grow in the small intestine. This results in the
improper breakdown of certain foods. When there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small
intestine, the normal balance in the gut microbiome is significantly disrupted, causing the
symptoms of SIBO.
What Are the Symptoms of SIBO?
The most commonly reported symptom reported by patients is bloating, especially after eating.
Other symptoms include:
Bloating
Persistent abdominal pain
Gas
Diarrhea
SIBO can be treated with certain antibiotics and dietary changes; however, it’s important to start
your path to treatment with a clear diagnosis.
How Do You Test for SIBO?
The most common way to test for indications of SIBO is through a breath test. Bacteria in your
intestine consume sugars and produce gases that are released through your breath. With a
breath test like trio-smart®, hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide can be measured in the
breath, offering a more complete picture of your gut health. trio-smart is the only breath test
available that can measure all three of the primary fermented gases in the microbiome.
While healthy levels of all three gases can be present in the gut microbiome, abnormal levels
can indicate a condition, like SIBO, and provide valuable insight into proper treatment. The only
test available to measure all three gases found in your microbiome is called trio-smart®.
Learn more about breath testing with trio-smart here.
What Is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that develops in your large intestine, many times as
a result of an organic infection you may or may not remember, like food poisoning.
IBS can develop into an autoimmunity. There is a toxin called CdtB that is released during food
poisoning. CdtB looks just like a protein in your gut called vinculin. The CdtB antibody (anti-
CdtB) tricks the body into making antibodies for the vinculin called anti-vinculin. This results in
an autoimmunity that causes damage to the nerves in the gut and causes your IBS symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of IBS?
IBS shares many symptoms of SIBO, often masquerading as each other.
Symptoms include:
Diarrhea, or a mix of diarrhea and constipation
Persistent abdominal pain
Gas
Bloating
How Do You Test for IBS?
IBS used to be a diagnosis of exclusion; however, post-infectious IBS (IBS caused by food
poisoning) can be diagnosed with an antibody blood test. The blood test measures two
antibodies, anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin, and if either antibody is elevated, IBS can be ruled in.
The only licensed antibody blood test for IBS is called ibs-smart®.
Learn more about antibody testing for IBS with ibs-smart here.
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