10 Common Causes of Flatulence
Cause #7: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is a condition in which the bacteria that are present in the lower intestine make their way into the small intestine, increasing the overall bacterial population in the latter. These excessive bacteria can interfere with the absorption of nutrients in this region. Moreover, the increased breakdown products of bacterial digestion can cause a whole host of symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. In severe cases, malnutrition can lead to unintentional weight loss.
The bacterial imbalance in SIBO is most frequently caused by conditions or treatments that alter the normal movement of the intestine. Examples of possible risk factors for SIBO include diverticulosis, previous gastrointestinal surgeries, amyloidosis, diabetes, lupus, medications (i.e. frequent antibiotic use), and immunodeficiencies (i.e. HIV).
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