What are symptoms of small intestine problems?

Symptoms Loss of appetite. Abdominal pain. Nausea. Bloating. An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating. Diarrhea. Unintentional weight loss. Malnutrition.

mayoclinic.org - Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) - Symptoms and causes

Can liver problems cause body odor?

Some chronic conditions can also cause an unpleasant smell. Liver disease, diabetes and kidney issues are often accompanied by strong-smelling...

Last updated Nov 3, 2022

Is it realistic to lose 20 pounds in 6 weeks?

To answer the question, it is not safe to lose 20 pounds in 6 weeks. A person is recommended to lose 1 to 2 pounds in a week and hence 6 to 12...

Last updated Sep 21, 2022

Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Overview

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine — particularly types of bacteria not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract. This condition is sometimes called blind loop syndrome. SIBO commonly results when a circumstance — such as surgery or disease — slows the passage of food and waste products in the digestive tract, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The excess bacteria often cause diarrhea and may cause weight loss and malnutrition. While SIBO is often a complication of stomach (abdominal) surgery, this condition can also result from structural problems and some diseases. Sometimes surgery is needed to correct the problem, but antibiotics are the most common treatment.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of SIBO often include:

Loss of appetite

Abdominal pain

Nausea

Bloating

An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating

Diarrhea

Unintentional weight loss

Malnutrition

When to see a doctor

Bloating, nausea and diarrhea are signs and symptoms of many intestinal problems. See your doctor for a full evaluation — especially if you've had abdominal surgery — if you have:

Persistent diarrhea

Rapid, unintentional weight loss

Abdominal pain lasting more than a few days

If you have severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical care.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Get the latest health information from Mayo Clinic delivered to your inbox. Subscribe for free and receive your in-depth guide to digestive health, plus the latest on health innovations and news. You can unsubscribe at any time. Email address ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Subscribe Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. You will also receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest health news, research, and care. If you don’t receive our email within 5 minutes, check your SPAM folder, then contact us at newsletters@mayoclinic.com. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry

Causes

Why is salt good for adrenal fatigue?

No cell in the human body can function without salt. Our electrolytes – sodium, potassium, and chloride – drive every intracellular process like...

Last updated Feb 11, 2018

What vitamin are you lacking if you can't sleep?

A lack of Vitamin B6 has been linked to symptoms of insomnia and depression. Vitamin B6 aids in the production of the hormones serotonin and...

Last updated Nov 5, 2018

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Gastrointestinal tract Open pop-up dialog box Close Gastrointestinal tract Gastrointestinal tract Your digestive tract stretches from your mouth to your anus. It includes the organs necessary to digest food, absorb nutrients and process waste.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can be caused by:

Complications of abdominal surgery, including gastric bypass for obesity and gastrectomy to treat peptic ulcers and stomach cancer including gastric bypass for obesity and gastrectomy to treat peptic ulcers and stomach cancer Structural problems in and around your small intestine, including scar tissue (intestinal adhesions) that can wrap around the outside of the small bowel, and bulging pouches of tissue that protrude through the wall of the small intestine (intestinal diverticulosis) including scar tissue (intestinal adhesions) that can wrap around the outside of the small bowel, and bulging pouches of tissue that protrude through the wall of the small intestine (intestinal diverticulosis) Certain medical conditions, including Crohn's disease, radiation enteritis, scleroderma, celiac disease, diabetes or other conditions that can slow movement (motility) of food and waste products through the small intestine

Why small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) develops

The small intestine is the longest section of your digestive tract, measuring about 20 feet (6.1 meters). The small intestine is where food mixes with digestive juices and nutrients are absorbed into your bloodstream. Unlike your large intestine (colon), your small intestine normally has relatively few bacteria due to rapid flow of contents and the presence of bile. But in SIBO , stagnant food in the bypassed small intestine becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria may produce toxins as well as interfere with the absorption of nutrients. The breakdown products following bacterial digestion of food can also trigger diarrhea.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of SIBO include:

Gastric surgery for obesity or ulcers

A structural defect in the small intestine

An injury to the small intestine

An abnormal passageway (fistula) between two segments of bowel

Crohn's disease, intestinal lymphoma or scleroderma involving the small intestine

History of radiation therapy to the abdomen

Diabetes

Diverticulosis of the small intestine

Complications

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can cause escalating problems, including:

mayoclinic.org - Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) - Symptoms and causes

Why do I look so old now?

As we mature, some physical skin changes occur naturally: Collagen production slows down – so skin loses its firmness. Elastin production decreases...

Last updated Nov 14, 2020

How can I smell beautiful all day?

How to Smell Good All Day Make it last. Moisturize. Wash there. Deodorant or antiperspirant. Hair. Breath. Unscented products. Clothing. More...

Last updated Sep 29, 2018

Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is oatmeal good for gut health?

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can...

Last updated Aug 17, 2021

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is there a fruit that is unhealthy?

No fruits are truly unhealthy in and of themselves. However, some people may simply prefer not to eat certain fruits due to their higher sugar,...

Last updated Jan 5, 2022