Bacterial overgrowth of small intestine

Description

Abnormal number of bacteria in the small intestine. In normal circumstances, small contractions of the small intestine are pushing the stool through the bowels. In the case of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, these contractions are not efficient, which enables bacteria to multiply. In healthy persons different bacteria exist in small intestine and colon. In this disorder bacteria in small intestine belong to same specie as the ones that are in colon. Following diseases are linked with this disorder: scleroderma, diabetes, partial obstruction of small intestine, small intestinal diverticulosis.

Symptoms

Gasses, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Identification of bacterial overgrowth directly by cultivating small intestine content, or indirectly, by performing hydrogen breath test.

Tests

Cultivating small intestine content, hydrogen breath test.

Specialists

General Practice, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Treatment may include antibiotics and probiotics.