Ladislav Kužela
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO) is a clinical syndrome characterized by an increased number
and/or abnormal type of bacteria in the small bowel. In case of disturbance of balance mechanisms that keep
the number of bacteria in the upper part of gastrointestinal tract low, there is an abnormal bacterial multiplication
and can lead to SIBO. Increased bacterial overload for normal functions of the upper gastrointestinal tract
can be manifested by clinical symptoms as abdominalgia, nausea, meteorism, flatulency, obstipation or diarrhoea,
abdominal discomfort. Early recognition and an adequate fast treatment (correction of the underlying
disease, antibiotic therapy and nutritional support) should be aimed at prevention and reversal of malabsorption
process.