What is SIBO, a disease with which Helena Coelho was diagnosed?

“ Vi'm here to give you an update and talk to you about the fact that I found out I have SIBO. Basically, I went to the doctor, found out that I have SIBO, had some symptoms, especially the issue of swelling, a swelling that makes no sense”: this is how Helena Coelho, creator of digital content, revealed to the followers the diagnosis she recently received.

“ My type of treatment started by taking antibiotics and in the meantime I will be accompanied by a nutritionist specialized in bowel, to determine the treatment and do some tests with food and later reintroducements – to understand how I can control this issue”, he explained. 

What is SIBO?

According to the website of Trofa Saúde, SIBO – acronym for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth – “is a condition in which there is an excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine – microorganisms that should normally be in the colon (large intestine)”.

This change in the balance of the intestinal flora may lead to several symptoms and interfere with the absorption of nutrients, in more severe cases.

What are the causes of SIBO?

The same source points out that this is not an “insulated disease”, but is the cause of other conditions that interfere with the normal functioning of the small intestine. Here are the most common causes:

– “Changes in bowel movements”;
– “Previous abdominal surgery”;
– “Reduction of gastric acid”;
“Immune system deficits”;
“Closed liver, pancreas or intestine diseases”.

What are the symptoms of SIBO?

Here are the most common signs of the disease: 

– “Abdominal distension and swelling”;
– “Gas and flatulence”;
– “Abdominal discomfort or pain”; 
– “chronic diarrhea (or in some cases constipation)”;
– “fatigue/tiredness”;
– “involuntary weight loss”; 
– “Symptoms of nutritional deficits (e.g. hair loss, tingling or skin changes...)”

What is the treatment of SIBO?

The Health Trofa highlights that the treatment aims to “eliminate excess bacteria: through, for example, the use of antibiotics, “correcting the problem that is favoring bacterial proliferation”, “correcting nutritional deficits” and changing the diet.