Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition of the small intestine caused by the accumulation of good and bad bacteria.
When there are excesses, it results in a digestive problem that could escalate into severe health issues. The best way to ensure that the gut bacterial level is normal, you will need to carry out a Small Bacterial Overgrowth test. And if you are looking for UK SIBO testing that is easy to perform, you may want to consider trying out a home testing kit.
When it comes to determining the bacterial levels in the gut, one quick method is a breath analysis. This you can do with the use of hydrogen and methane or a glucose testing kit. But you want to ensure that there are safe for use in the UK and Europe.
If you need help and clarification with getting the right kit, you can check with Smart SIBO Testing UK for assistance. In the next section, you will learn all SIBO and how to go about testing in the UK.
What is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth?
The condition, which could easily be confused with many other intestinal problems, usually begins with weight loss as one of the primary symptoms. And while this may not be obvious in many cases, the growth of bacterial in the small intestine could lead to malnutrition and health challenges.
When the bacteria that ought to be helping with digestive functions in the gut, enter the small intestine, it competes for nutrients before they get to other parts of the body. And as the bacterial level increases, it worsens the situation. So, what then is the reason behind SIBO?
Causes of SIBO?
One of the main problems with diagnosing SIBO early is due to the fact that it shares symptoms with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). But with precise observation and a quick test, you could quickly know what exactly you are dealing with. For the most part of it, you must be able to get a better diagnosis if you work with your doctor. When it comes to some of the common causes of SIBO, it could be any or more of the following.
- Anatomical abnormalities with the small bowel
- Changes in the pH of the small intestine
- Poor immune system functioning
Most people who suffer from other digestive diseases such as viral gastroenteritis, celiac disease, cirrhosis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and nerve damage from surgical procedures could suffer relapsing SIBO.
There has equally been links that it is possible for patients who suffer from diabetes, HIV, Parkinson’s disease, and heavy narcotic users. They could suffer from abnormal bacterial levels in the small intestine. While there are treatment options available, you want to make a diagnosis using the breath examination kit. But first, what are the signs that you may be suffering from SIBO?
Symptoms of SIBO
You should know that many digestive related conditions usually have similar symptoms. And this is the reason why it is essential to consider the UK SIBO test just to be sure. But if you need to know exactly what signs to look for? They include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Gas
- Cramp
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Stomachache after meals
The link here https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/common-digestive-conditions-from-top-bottom/ has more on symptoms of common digestive conditions you should be aware of.
UK SIBO Test
There are testing kits available you can purchase for use at home. And when shopping online, you want to get those approved for use in the UK. You will either have to choose from a hydrogen breath test or using glucose. For the most part, many physicians make use of the hydrogen kit for their analysis. When it comes to the testing procedure, you want to follow the steps below.
Preparation
You want to work closely with your doctor when planning for your exam. There are meals to avoid and rituals to engage in prior to the breath analysis. You will have to prepare your bowel with the use of procedures such as a colonoscopy or the use of a laxative.
You want to avoid any stimulants such as caffeine, cannabis, and alcohol. Also, stay clear of sugar and high carbohydrate foods such as white bread and rice. Smoking would also interfere with your assessment results, so you will have to stay away from active or secondary smoke.
Testing
- You want first to ensure that the stomach is not full. So, it is best not to eat anything six hours prior. Go for a beverage if you want something other than water.
- You will then need to get out the testing kit. It is best to buy from a quality brand. There are usually instructions on how to use details in the product leaflets.
- Rinse the mouth first with mouthwash to kill any bacteria that may be in there.
- Afterward, your breath sample will need to be recorded for use in controlling the test. This you will have to do by breathing into a balloon.
- You will then have to drink a liquid sample contained in the testing vials.
- A fresh breath sample will be taken at intervals by blowing into the balloon. And after a few hours, your specimens could be collected for further analysis.
Whether you are checking for the level of hydrogen or glucose in the mouth, you will most certainly be given something to drink. Through an oral analysis, the bacterial conditions of the small intestine can be analyzed by means of an oral analysis.
The physician looks for the number of hydrogen or glucose present in the breath. And if there is any distortion from the normal range, there is a closer examination of the symptoms. This will help to differentiate if the problem is SIBO or any other digestive problem. And you can only get a clear result if you work with your physician during the build-up to your examination. Remember, you have to keep the bowel conditions ideal for the examination.
Treatment Options for UK SIBO
You will most likely be handled an antibiotic treatment for a mild digestive condition. This is to remedy the abnormal bacterial level. A metronidazole or ciprofloxacin treatment could help with fixing the small intestine. You will have to take further steps to solve associated problems such as malnutrition or a drop in weight. You can find more here on how to lose weight.
Working with a nutritionist to work out a follow-up diet to help with balancing your gut health would be beneficial. As a matter of sacrifice, you should avoid foods that could upset your stomach after the procedure. This includes smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. It may be best to consider other rewarding activities such as exercising and reading when you get the cravings.
Final Thoughts
Diet plays a vital role in gut health, so it is crucial that you are cautious of what you eat. Not too many people often know early that they may be suffering from SIBO and may strike it as just another stomach upset. This is why you want to get the UK SIBO test kit to get the exact diagnosis and begin treatments quickly.
If you have to get your kits online, you want to check that they meet the right standards for use. Do your research on the brand and follow the instructions on how to use it.
