What is Small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

a disorder characterised by excessive amounts of bacteria in the small bowel resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms

What are the main clinical features of Small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

• chronic diarrhoea
• bloating, flatulence
• abdominal pain

overlap with irritable bowel syndrome

How is Small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome diagnosed?

hydrogen breath test

What is the management of Small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

• correction of the underlying disorder
• antibiotic therapy: rifaximin is now the treatment of choice due to relatively low resistance. Co-amoxiclav or metronidazole are also effective in the majority of patients.

What are the main risk factors of Small bowel bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

• neonates with congenital gastrointestinal abnormalities
• scleroderma
• diabetes mellitus