Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Bloating does not automatically mean SIBO.
SIBO can cause bloating, abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits, but these symptoms overlap with several other digestive conditions. The right starting point is a medical assessment, not an assumption.
What is SIBO?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurs when there is an excessive or altered population of microorganisms in the small intestine and this contributes to digestive symptoms.
Possible symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, excess wind, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation. In some circumstances, SIBO may affect nutrient absorption. These symptoms are not specific to SIBO and can also occur with IBS, food intolerance, coeliac disease, constipation and other conditions.
02
Your SIBO appointment
Assess the symptoms, possible causes and previous treatment together.
Your doctor may ask about:
- 01
bloating, pain, wind and bowel changes
- 02
when symptoms occur and whether they are linked to eating
- 03
previous SIBO diagnoses, breath tests and treatment
- 04
abdominal surgery or changes to digestive anatomy
- 05
medication, including antibiotics and medicines that affect gut movement
- 06
existing digestive, metabolic, thyroid or immune conditions
- 07
diet, weight changes and possible nutrient deficiency
- 08
symptoms that returned after treatment
Depending on your history, your doctor may recommend breath testing or other investigations to assess alternative or contributing causes. Breath tests require specific preparation, and the result must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.
If available, bring previous breath test results, pathology and specialist reports, a list of medicines and supplements, and details of antibiotics or restrictive diets you have tried.
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Testing has a role, but it is not the whole answer
Breath testing is commonly used as a non-invasive way to investigate suspected SIBO. Like all tests, it has limitations and does not replace clinical assessment.
Testing is most useful when there is a clear reason to suspect SIBO and the result will influence treatment. It is also important to consider why overgrowth may have developed, particularly when symptoms or positive tests recur.
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Treatment and reducing recurrence
Treatment may include a prescribed course of antibiotics and management of factors that affect intestinal movement, anatomy or digestion. Dietary support may help manage symptoms in some circumstances but should not become unnecessarily restrictive.
Symptoms can recur after treatment. If they do, reassessment may be more useful than automatically repeating the same medication or diet. Your doctor may recommend further testing or gastroenterology and dietetics support.
Related care
Related care at Mahila
Gut HealthAssessment of ongoing digestive symptoms and the health factors that may be contributing to them.Read more
DysbiosisCare for symptoms that may be associated with an imbalance in the gut microbiome.Read more
MCASClinical assessment and ongoing care for symptoms that may be associated with mast cell activation.Read more
POTSSupport for suspected or diagnosed POTS and symptoms related to changes in posture and heart rate.Read more
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeCare for persistent fatigue and related symptoms, with attention to their wider effect on daily life.Read more
Appointment length
Choose the appointment type that matches where you are in your care. Exact fees follow the medical consultation fee schedule unless a service page states a different confirmed fee.
New patients
45-minute consultation
Returning patients (follow-up)
Up to 20 minutes. If the consultation runs longer, an additional fee may be charged.
Medical consultation fees are listed below. Confirm appointment and fee details with reception when booking.
Medical consultation fees
Mahila Women's Clinic is a private billing practice. The following medical consultation fees apply unless a service page states a different confirmed fee.
A Medicare rebate may apply to an eligible medical consultation. The item billed depends on the service provided, the actual consultation time, the clinician and Medicare requirements.
Procedures, pathology, imaging, products, equipment and other services may involve additional costs. Relevant additional fees should be shown on the individual service page or discussed before the service is provided.
| Consultation length | Clinic fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 20 minutes | $150 |
| Up to 30 minutes | $280 |
| Up to 45 minutes | $380 |
| 60 minutes or longer | $450 |
Talk with a doctor about your concerns.
Book an appointment at Mahila Women's Clinic in Camberwell.