Persistent abdominal bloating An upset stomach and belching during meals can be warning signs of SIBO, a gastrointestinal disorder that consists of an abnormal growth of bacteria in the intestine that is rarely diagnosed in a timely manner but affects the quality of life of thousands of patients.
Diagnosing SIBO is important because it IS the leading cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a condition suffered by about 11% of the world’s population, studies show.
Aware of its importance, the Dominican Society of Gastroenterology, within the framework of its congress, presented in the country one of the main authorities in the field of modern gastroenterology and, in particular, in the investigation of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine to delve into how to improve the approach to diagnosis, as well as the treatment options for this condition.
This was Dr. Mark Pimentel, who is an internationally recognized gastroenterologist for the way his work has transformed the understanding of functional digestive disorders, primarily small intestine bacterial overgrowth (known as SIBO) and how this condition correlates with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
When a person suffers from digestive symptoms such as bloating and discomfort, irritation of the intestine is usually added, but bacterial overgrowth is rarely deepened, which is where the root problem may lie.
The Medically Associated Sciences and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai, led by Dr. Mark Pimentel, has improved the medical community’s understanding of this small intestine condition.
You can read: The microbiota: the secret to optimal intestinal health that you didn’t know
SIBO is caused by the abnormal and prolific growth of bacteria or archaea (single-celled organisms) in the small intestine. Their research also demonstrated that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not a psychological disorder, but rather an imbalance of the gut microbial community.
Pimentel pioneered the use of rifaximin, an antibiotic prescribed for “traveler’s diarrhea,” as a treatment for IBS and SIBO. However, he credits complementary medicine with leading the development of treatments for these digestive disorders.
SIBO is a condition that is usually underdiagnosed but significantly affects patients. For this reason, promoting continuing education spaces to present this topic to specialists, as well as delve into its clinical approach, is of vital interest for this specialized medical union that seeks not only to establish better capabilities in its members, but also to promote improvement in gastrointestinal health services and care in the Dominican Republic.
