bacterial overgrowth syndrome

Introduction

• abnormal bacterial colonization of the small intestine
  • also see small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Pathology

• increased production of intestinal gas

Clinical manifestations

• flatulence, bloating
• watery diarrhea
• abdominal pain

Laboratory

• hydrogen breath test glucose

Management

• rifaximin (1st line)
• trial of empiric antibiotics
  • Bactrim DS, tetracycline, metronidazole
  • ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin clavulanate

More general terms

• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• syndrome

More specific terms

• blind loop syndrome; stagnant loop syndrome; stasis syndrome

Additional terms

• bloat
• flatulence