Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
Alternative Names
Overgrowth - intestinal bacteria; Bacterial overgrowth - intestineDefinition Return to top
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is a syndrome that involves very large numbers of bacteria growing in the small intestines.
Causes Return to top
The abnormally large numbers of bacteria in the small intestine compete for nutrients with the person who has the condition. As a result, the person with the condition may not absorb enough nutrients.
In addition, the breakdown of nutrients by the bacteria in the small intestines can damage the cells lining the intestinal wall.
Intestinal bacteria overgrowth can be seen with many different disorders, including:
Symptoms Return to top
The most common symptoms are abdominal pain and cramps, fullness, bloating, and diarrhea. The diarrhea can be watery or bloody. Other symptoms may include:
Treatment Return to top
The goal is to treat the cause of the intestinal bacterial overgrowth. For certain conditions, antibiotics, anti-motility drugs, or hormones may be considered.
Treatment also involves getting enough fluids and nutrition.
If the person is already dehydrated, he or she may need intravenous (IV) fluids in a hospital. And, if already malnourished, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may be necessary. TPN is nutrition (food) given through a vein.
Possible Complications Return to top
Severe cases lead to malnutrition. Other possible complications include:
Update Date: 10/13/2006 Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Disclaimers | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |