Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (cont.)
What are small intestinal bacteria overgrowth symptoms?
The symptoms of SIBO include:
A small number of
patients with SIBO have chronic constipation rather than diarrhea. When the
overgrowth is severe and prolonged, the bacteria may interfere with the
digestion and/or absorption of food and deficiencies of vitamins and minerals may develop.
Weight loss also may
occur. Patients with SIBO sometimes also report symptoms that are unrelated to
the gastrointestinal tract, symptoms such as body aches or fatigue. The symptoms
of SIBO tend to be chronic. A typical patient with SIBO can experience symptoms
that fluctuate in intensity over months, years, or even decades before the
diagnosis is made.
What is the normal relationship between bacteria and the small intestine?
At birth, there are no bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. During birth,
however, bacteria from the mother's colon and vagina are swallowed by
the infant, and, within a few weeks or months, they populate the infant's
gastrointestinal tract.
The relationship between normal intestinal bacteria and
their human host is complex. The relationship is symbiotic, which means that
each benefits from the other. The bacteria benefit from the warm, moist
environment of the small intestine that is ideal for growing as well as the constant
flow of food passing down the gastrointestinal tract. The human host benefits in
several ways. For example, the normal bacteria stimulate the growth of the
intestinal lining and the immune
system of the intestine. They prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria
within the intestine. They produce vitamin K, which is absorbed and used by the
host. In fact, the bacteria are important even for the muscular activity of the
small intestine. Without bacteria, there is reduced muscular activity.
There is a delicate balance between the bacteria of the gastrointestinal
tract and the human host. The gastrointestinal tract, particularly the small
intestine, contains an extensive immune system. The immune system protects the
intestine from disease-causing viruses, bacteria, and parasites. (The effects of
the immune response have been experienced by anyone who has experienced
gastroenteritis.) The interesting fact is that the intestine does not attack the
normal bacteria within it, only disease-causing bacteria. Somehow, the intestine
becomes tolerant of the normal bacteria and does not mount an attack against
them. The intestine has other ways that may be important in protecting it from
bacteria, both normal and disease-causing. As mentioned previously, muscular
activity keeps the numbers of bacteria within the intestine at a low level.
Mucus that is secreted into the intestine coats the intestinal lining and
prevents the bacteria from touching the lining. The intestine secretes
antibodies that can block, and sometimes kill, bacteria as well as substances
that prevent the growth of bacteria. Finally, the lining of the intestine can
produce receptors for toxic substances produced by bacteria and can prevent the
substances from having their toxic effects.
Next: What conditions cause increased production of gas? »
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