SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, occurs when too many bacteria grow in the small intestine. Although bacteria are a normal part of digestion, having too many in the small intestine can upset digestion and nutritional absorption. Gastroenterology clinics work to identify and treat SIBO to help patients feel better and support gut health. What Is SIBO? SIBO happens when too many bacteria build up in the small intestine, which usually has fewer bacteria than the colon. These extra bacteria can disrupt digestion by fermenting food earlier than usual. This may cause symptoms such as gas, inflammation, and difficulty absorbing nutrients. SIBO is often connected to other digestive problems, slow gut movement, or changes in gut structure. Common Causes of SIBO Many things can raise the risk of SIBO. Often, it develops because of a mix of digestive changes rather than just one cause. Common causes include: Slowed intestinal motility, allowing bacteria to grow and accumulate Structural abnormalities in the small intestine Previous gastrointestinal surgery Chronic conditions such as IBS or diabetes Low stomach acid, which normally helps control bacterial growth Long-term use of certain medications that affect gut balance Since SIBO often appears with other health issues, a complete medical check is important to get the right diagnosis. Symptoms of SIBO SIBO symptoms can be mild or severe and often look like those of other digestive problems, so testing is usually needed to find the cause. Typical symptoms include: Frequent bloating or abdominal distention Excessive gas or belching Abdominal discomfort or cramping Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits Fatigue or low energy levels Nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency Unintended weight loss in more advanced cases Many people find their symptoms get worse after eating, especially after meals with lots of carbohydrates. How SIBO Is Diagnosed Because SIBO symptoms can look like other gut problems, proper testing is important. Doctors usually start by asking about your symptoms, diet, medical history, and any medicines you take. Diagnostic methods may include: Hydrogen and methane breath testing Blood tests to test for nutrient deficiencies Stool testing in some cases Evaluation for underlying conditions causing bacterial overgrowth Breath tests are often used to find SIBO because they measure gases made by bacteria in the small intestine. Treatment Options for SIBO SIBO treatment aims to lower the extra bacteria, ease symptoms, and fix the root cause to help prevent it from coming back. Common treatment approaches include: Antibiotics or antimicrobial therapy Dietary changes such as low FODMAP or modified carbohydrate intake Prokinetic medications to improve intestinal movement Probiotics, in some cases, can restore gut balance Nutritional support to correct deficiencies Treating underlying digestive conditions Changing your diet and daily habits can be important for managing SIBO and keeping symptoms under control over time.  When to Seek Medical Care If you keep having digestive symptoms, don’t ignore them. You should see a doctor if you notice: Ongoing bloating or gas Chronic diarrhea or constipation Unexplained fatigue or nutrient deficiencies Abdominal pain that affects daily life Symptoms that do not improve with basic dietary changes Early diagnosis and treatment can stop complications from occurring and boost digestive comfort. Finding and treating SIBO early can help you avoid problems and feel better with the right care plan. In gastroenterology practices, providers focus on identifying the root cause of symptoms and developing customized treatment plans to support long-term digestive health. If you have symptoms of SIBO or ongoing digestive issues, making an appointment is a good first step to feeling better and improving your quality of life.

Many people feel bloated from time to time, but when bloating occurs frequently or persists, it may indicate a digestive problem that needs a doctor’s attention.

Digestive health is a keystone of overall wellness, yet many individuals experience ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort without understanding...

Digestive health research continues to evolve, often leading to confusing terminology. “Leaky gut syndrome” has recently attracted attention...

Digestive health affects more than just how your body processes food - it also plays a vital role in emotional and mental health. Many patients are surprised to learn how closely the gut and brain are connected

At Northlake Gastroenterology Associates, our professionals are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a plethora of digestive conditions to help patients find lasting relief.

At Northlake Gastroenterology Associates, esophageal manometry is an important diagnostic tool used to evaluate swallowing problems and esophageal function. This test helps measure what can’t be seen with standard imaging — how well the muscles in the esophagus are working. Have you ever felt like food gets stuck when you swallow? Or experienced chest discomfort, pain while eating, or ongoing heartburn that doesn’t improve with treatment? These symptoms can be frustrating and even concerning. While they may seem minor at first, they can be signs of a swallowing or esophageal disorder. To better understand what’s happening beneath the surface, doctors may recommend a specialized test called esophageal manometry. What Is Esophageal Manometry? Esophageal manometry is a test that measures the strength, coordination, and timing of muscle contractions in your esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that moves food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach. For swallowing to work properly, these muscles must contract in a smooth, organized way. Unlike an X-ray or endoscopy, which show the structure of the esophagus, esophageal manometry focuses on how the muscles function. This makes it especially useful when patients have symptoms but normal-looking imaging results. Why Is This Test Important? Swallowing is a complex process that involves multiple muscles and valves working together. When even one part of this process isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to uncomfortable or painful symptoms, including: Difficulty swallowing food or liquids A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest Chest pain not related to the heart Ongoing heartburn or regurgitation Esophageal manometry allows gastroenterologists to identify problems with muscle movement, pressure, or coordination that may be causing these symptoms. Understanding the exact issue is essential for creating an effective treatment plan. Conditions Esophageal Manometry Can Diagnose Esophageal manometry is especially helpful in diagnosing esophageal motility disorders , which occur when the muscles of the esophagus don’t work as they should. Some common conditions identified through manometry include: Achalasia This condition occurs when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus does not relax properly, making it difficult for food to pass into the stomach. Patients may feel like food stops or backs up after swallowing. Esophageal Spasms In this disorder, esophageal muscles contract irregularly or too forcefully. This can cause sudden chest pain or difficulty swallowing, sometimes mimicking heart-related symptoms. Weak or Ineffective Esophageal Motility Some patients have esophageal muscles that are too weak to move food efficiently. This can contribute to swallowing difficulties or ongoing reflux symptoms. By identifying these patterns, esophageal manometry helps doctors understand why symptoms are occurring and how best to treat them. What Happens During the Test? Esophageal manometry is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require sedation. The test usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Here’s what patients can expect: A thin, flexible tube is gently passed through the nose and into the esophagus. Once the tube is in place, patients are asked to swallow small sips of water. Sensors along the tube measure muscle pressure and coordination during each swallow. The tube is removed once enough measurements are collected. While some patients experience mild discomfort or pressure in the nose or throat, the test is generally well-tolerated. Most people can resume normal activities shortly afterward. How Esophageal Manometry Helps Guide Treatment One of the biggest benefits of esophageal manometry is that it provides clear, objective data about how the esophagus functions. This information allows your gastroenterologist to tailor treatment to your specific condition. Depending on the results, treatment options may include: Medications to relax or improve muscle function Dietary adjustments to make swallowing easier Lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms Advanced procedures or surgery for certain conditions In some cases, manometry is also used before or after surgery to ensure the esophagus can function properly or to evaluate treatment success. Why Choose Northlake Gastroenterology Associates? At Northlake Gastroenterology Associates, patients receive expert care for a wide range of digestive and swallowing concerns. Our experienced providers use advanced diagnostic tools like esophageal manometry to identify the root cause of symptoms — not just manage them. We understand that swallowing difficulties can affect nutrition, comfort, and overall quality of life. That’s why we take a patient-centered approach, focusing on accurate diagnosis, clear communication, and personalized treatment plans designed to improve long-term outcomes. Take the Next Step Toward Answers and Relief If you are experiencing trouble swallowing, unexplained chest discomfort, or persistent reflux symptoms, you don’t have to live with uncertainty. Esophageal manometry can provide valuable insight into what’s happening inside your esophagus and help guide effective treatment. Contact Northlake Gastroenterology Associates today to schedule an appointment or learn more about esophageal manometry. Our team is here to help you find answers and get back to feeling your best.

(ERCP) provides a powerful, minimally invasive solution that goes beyond traditional care, allowing your doctor to both diagnose and treat issues.

At Northlake Gastroenterology Associates, we believe that understanding your diagnostic options helps reduce anxiety and empowers you to take an active role.