Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome Questions & Answers

Updated: Mar 07, 2023
  • Author: Chinelo N Animalu, MD, MPH, FIDSA; Chief Editor: Michael Stuart Bronze, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What is the pathophysiology of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

How common is bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What are the mortality and morbidity of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which patients have an increased risk of death from bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What is the prognosis of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What education should be provided to patients with bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Presentation

What are the symptoms of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which malabsorption findings are associated with advanced bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What causes bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which conditions increase the risk for developing bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which conditions that cause abnormal small intestinal motility can result in bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which conditions that cause blind pouches can result in bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which conditions that cause abnormal bowel communication can result in bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which conditions that cause partial obstruction can result in bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which conditions that cause reduced gastric acid secretion can result in bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

How is a physical exam performed in suspected bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What are the complications of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome?

Workup

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which imaging studies are indicated in the workup of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which procedures are used in the workup of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What is the role of a hydrogen breath test in the workup of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What is the role of a bile acid breath test in the workup of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What is the role of a xylose breath test in the workup of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What are the histologic findings in bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Treatment

How is bacterial overgrowth syndrome treated?

Which medications are used in the treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

How long is medication needed for the treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Are probiotics or prokinetics used in the treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

What is the role of dietary modifications in the treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which conditions are amenable to treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which conditions are not amenable to treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

When is surgery indicated in the treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which specialist consultations are indicated in the treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which dietary modifications are used to treat and prevent bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

How is bacterial overgrowth syndrome prevented?

What is the follow-up care for patients with bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

When is inpatient care indicated for the treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Guidelines

What are the treatment guidelines for bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Medications

What are the goals of drug therapy in the treatment of bacterial overgrowth syndrome?

Which medications in the drug class Antibiotics are used in the treatment of Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome?

Which medications in the drug class Sulfonamide Derivative are used in the treatment of Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome?