SIBO Test

Understanding SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Testing in Delhi NCR

In recent years, gut health has become a major focus for both doctors and individuals. Among the many digestive issues, SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is gaining attention. Though it may sound technical, understanding this condition is crucial, especially if you’ve been facing unexplained digestive problems.

This article aims to explain what SIBO is, its signs and causes, how it is diagnosed, and where you can get tested in Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida—with a focus on trusted pathology labs.

What is SIBO?

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when an unusually high number of bacteria grow in the small intestine. Normally, bacteria are more common in the large intestine, but when they start multiplying in the small intestine, they can disrupt the digestive process. This overgrowth leads to improper absorption of nutrients and various gut-related symptoms.

There isn’t one single cause of SIBO. Instead, several conditions can contribute to its development:

• Slow intestinal movement (called motility disorders)
• Structural issues in the small intestine, such as strictures or surgical changes
• Use of medications, especially antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or opioids
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Immune system problems

When the balance of bacteria is disturbed, the wrong types can take over, resulting in fermentation of food in the small intestine and related discomfort.

Common Symptoms of SIBO

The signs of SIBO often resemble other gastrointestinal disorders. This makes diagnosis tricky without proper testing. Common symptoms include:

• Bloating or a feeling of fullness
• Diarrhoea or constipation (sometimes alternating)
• Gas and flatulence
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
• Nutrient deficiencies (like Vitamin B12, Iron)

If these issues are ongoing, and especially if you're not responding to standard treatments for IBS or acidity, it's worth getting tested for SIBO.

Diagnosing SIBO – Which Test is Done?

The most common and non-invasive test used for diagnosing SIBO is the Hydrogen-Methane Breath Test. This test measures the amount of hydrogen and methane gas in your breath after drinking a sugar solution (typically lactulose or glucose).

Bacteria in your small intestine ferment this sugar, releasing gases that are absorbed into your blood and eventually exhaled through your lungs. Measuring these gases over time helps identify bacterial overgrowth.

Dr. Dangs Lab is one of India’s first labs to be NABL-accredited, ensuring trusted collection, cold-chain maintenance, and reliable result handling.

How is SIBO Diagnosed Accurately?

Accurate diagnosis is key to managing SIBO effectively. Since its symptoms can mimic those of other gastrointestinal issues, testing plays an important role in confirming the condition.

The most widely used and non-invasive method is the Hydrogen-Methane Breath Test. Here's how it works:

• The patient is asked to follow a special prep diet and fast before the test.
• On the test day, they consume a sugar solution (usually lactulose or glucose).
• If excess bacteria are present in the small intestine, they ferment the sugar and release gases such as hydrogen or methane.
• These gases travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and are exhaled through the breath.
• The test then measures these gas levels at regular intervals over 2–3 hours.

An abnormal rise in hydrogen, methane, or both indicates bacterial overgrowth. The type of gas also helps guide treatment—for instance, methane-dominant SIBO may respond differently than hydrogen-dominant SIBO.

In some cases, doctors may recommend additional tests such as:

• Small bowel aspirate and culture (more invasive, rarely done)
• Blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies (Vitamin B12, iron, etc.)
• Stool tests to rule out other conditions

Treatment of SIBO

SIBO is generally treated with:

• Antibiotics, such as Rifaximin, which help reduce the bacterial load
• Dietary changes, such as a low FODMAP diet or specific carbohydrate diet (SCD)
• Probiotics and prebiotics (used carefully under medical guidance)
• Nutritional supplements, if deficiencies are present
• Treating the root cause, like motility disorders or structural problems

Treatment must be guided by a healthcare provider. Self-medicating with probiotics or antibiotics without diagnosis can make symptoms worse.

Lifestyle Tips for Gut Health

Maintaining a healthy digestive system is important in preventing and managing SIBO:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid processed food and high sugar intake
• Incorporate fibre, but carefully, as excess can cause gas
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics
• Manage stress – it affects digestion directly

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Many patients with SIBO go undiagnosed for years, suffering with bloating, fatigue, and IBS-like symptoms. Getting tested early at a reputable lab in Delhi, Noida, or Gurugram helps avoid complications like nutrient deficiencies and chronic gut issues.

Common FAQs on SIBO

Can SIBO be cured permanently?

SIBO can be treated, but recurrence is common, especially if the underlying cause isn’t managed. A combination of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes improves long-term outcomes.

Is SIBO the same as IBS?

No. However, many people with IBS-like symptoms are later found to have SIBO. The symptoms overlap, but the causes and treatment differ.

What are the dietary and preparation guidelines before the SIBO breath test?

24 hours before collection, limit diet to only: meat/poultry/fish/seafood that is not cured or brined, plain steamed white rice, eggs, clear meat broth (no bone/cartilage or vegetables), fats/oils (coconut, olive, vegetable oils, butter, or lard), salt and pepper (no other herbs/spices), weak black coffee and/or weak black tea (no sweeteners or cream, no green or herbal teas), plain water (no mineral water or water with additives). Do not take probiotics.

12 hours before and during collection: do not eat or drink anything other than water. Do not take non-essential medications or supplements unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. Do not chew gum, eat candy, or use mouthwash or toothpaste.

1 hour before and during collection: do not smoke or inhale second-hand smoke. Do not sleep or exercise.

Final Thoughts

SIBO is more common than most people realise, and often goes undetected due to its similarity with other gut disorders. However, timely testing, especially with trusted pathology labs like Dr. Dangs Lab—one of India’s first NABL-accredited labs—can help in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

If you’re located in Delhi, Noida, or Gurugram, and you’ve been dealing with bloating, gas, or other persistent digestive symptoms, it’s time to take your gut health seriously. Talk to your doctor and get tested for SIBO. Early diagnosis leads to better recovery and a healthier life.

Test Name: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth(SIBO) 3hr

OVERVIEW: www.gdx.net/product/bacterial-overgrowth-of-the-small-intestine-sibo-test//

SAMPLE REPORT: www.gdx.net/core/sample-reports/SIBO-3hr-Sample-Report.pdf//

SPECIMEN FOR TESTING: Breath

TAT: 3 weeks