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Suggest Treatment For Constipation When Diagnosed With Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

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Posted on Mon, 23 Jan 2017
Question: I recently tested positive for SIBO. I see the doctor next Tuesday and I am sure he will put me on antibiotics. I don't like going on ABX, but if it means killing the bad bacteria, so be it. However, what i really want to do get to the root cause of the SIBO. I have read it could be organ related, i.e., thyroid and/or adrenal problems, possibly brain related problems. I do have chronic constipation, but i am not sure if it is a cause or effect of the SIBO. Any suggestions as to where to start looking?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Happykumar Kagathara (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
need detail on symptoms. What is SIBO?

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I can understand your concern for GI symptoms.
What you mean by SIBO here? What are your symptoms? what about your appetite? Did you have any abdominal surgery before? Do you have any weight loss/gain in recent months?
Detailed analysis of symptomatology is very important to approach any disease as this will eliminate doing unnecessary tests.
I would like to know about your symptoms in detail by these questionnaires so I can provide appropriate guidance.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Happykumar Kagathara (9 hours later)
SIBO is small intestine bacterial overgrowth. My symptoms are frequent bloating after most meals and chronic constipation. SIBO was confirmed by a breath test which a showed methane in my breath and therefore the excess bacterial. I am sure the doctor will put me on antibiotics, but I feel that is just a temporary solution because if I do not get to the source of the problem, it will return and SIBO is notorious for returning.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Happykumar Kagathara (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
functional dysmotility disorders, not SIBO

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
1) Yes your symptoms and positive report is due slow intestine movement which promote intestinal bacterial overgrowth and affect absorption of nutrients.
2) But this is not due to SIBO. term SIBO is used for mechanical obstruction to small intestine for any reasons and formation of adhesions after any abdominal surgery is most common cause.
3) You might have function dysmotility disorder in which peristalsis of small intestine is weak due to any physiological reason rather than structural/mechanical obstruction.
4) This lead to indigestion related symptoms for which intestinal digestive enzyme supplement is necessary. Once mechanical cause for obstruction is ruled out by CT scan abdomen, it is recommended to start motility promoting medication (considered obstruction is not complete type).
5) Yes, you also need antibiotic cover to prevent bacterial overgrowth further, thus to maintain nutrients absorption.
6) For chronic constipation, you must take stool softener or laxatives.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Happykumar Kagathara

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 444 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Constipation When Diagnosed With Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

Brief Answer: need detail on symptoms. What is SIBO? Detailed Answer: Hello, I can understand your concern for GI symptoms. What you mean by SIBO here? What are your symptoms? what about your appetite? Did you have any abdominal surgery before? Do you have any weight loss/gain in recent months? Detailed analysis of symptomatology is very important to approach any disease as this will eliminate doing unnecessary tests. I would like to know about your symptoms in detail by these questionnaires so I can provide appropriate guidance.