Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Is Bacterial overgrowth the primary cause for bloating and gas in IBS?

Hmmm. That's an interesting way to ask the question. Here's what I know about the subject:

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and IBS are two different conditions. I know that a while back some doctor wrote a book implying everyone with IBS really has SIBO but I don't believe that's the case. If I remember correctly, though, people who have SIBO usually list gas and bloating as important symptoms.

So my answer would be no, bacterial overgrowth is not the primary cause for bloating and gas in IBS. It is possible you've been misdiagnosed with IBS when you really have SIBO. If you think this is the case, you should be tested for SIBO and if you have it, be treated. (Sadly, it is possible to have *both* SIBO and IBS. In that case, your SIBO test would be positive and you should be treated for it, but you would then have to manage your IBS following your SIBO treatment.)

There's been some discussion of SIBO on the Boards before. Try a couple of Searches across all Boards with no time limit for:

SIBO
small bacteria

HTH.

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