Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome

Question 1

What is Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What are the risk factors for Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome?

Answer 2

Neonates with congenital gastrointestinal abnormalities
Scleroderma
Diabetes mellitus

Question 3

How
Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome
does present?

Answer 3

Chronic diarrhoea
Bloating
Flatulence
Abdominal pain

Question 4

How is diagnosed?

Answer 4

Hydrogen breath test (main)
Small bowel aspiration and culture

Question 5

What is the management of
Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome
?

Answer 5

Correction of underlying disorder
Antibiotic therapy: rifaximin

Question 6

What are possible alternatives to rifaximin?

Answer 6

Co-amoxiclav or metronidazole