What is bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

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Bacterial overgrowth syndrome is a condition involving diminished mobility of the intestinal contents which allows the normal intestinal bacteria to grow disproportionately. This results to diarrhea and poor absorption of nutrients.

The normal stable movement of the intestinal contents is vital in maintaining suitable equilibrium of bacteria in the small intestine. Circumstances in which the intestinal contents become sluggish or accumulate in one region enables bacteria to multiply.

The presence of excess bacteria consumes the nutrients including vitamin b12 and carbohydrates which leads to reduced calorie intake and vitamin b12 deficiency.

What are the indications?

The usual symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and excess flatulence. In some individuals, they have lesser symptoms or only weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. Others suffer from severe episode of diarrhea or steatorrhea.

How is it diagnosed

Bacterial overgrowth syndrome
The usual symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and excess flatulence.

The doctor will base a diagnosis based on the usual symptoms that develop among those who have certain forms of surgery.

In some cases, a fluid sample is taken using a flexible tube that is inserted into the small intestine which is a procedure called as endoscopy. The fluid is cultured to determine the number of bacteria present.

A breath test is also carried out in which the individual is given a liquid that contains a special, faintly radioactive marker attached to a sugar. If the xylose is broken down by the excess bacteria, the carbon-14 can be detected in the breath of the individual.

Oftentimes, those who have abnormalities in the internal structures makes them prone to bacterial overgrowth syndrome. When identifying the abnormalities, the doctor will take X-rays of the stomach and small intestines after the individual is given liquid dye.

Management

Many individuals can recovery with antibiotics given orally for 10-14 days. Since the excess bacteria rapidly grows with carbohydrates, it is vital to stick with a diet higher in fat content and low in fiber and carbohydrates. In addition, the doctor will prescribe supplements to fix any nutritional deficiencies.

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