Is It IBS?

Is It Really IBS or SIBO? Signs That Tell the Difference

If you’ve been dealing with bloating, gas, and stomach pain, you might think it’s IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

But did you know that some experts say up to 80% of IBS is actually SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)?

That’s a BIG deal! So, how can you tell if your gut issues are more than just IBS? Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of SIBO and how it works in your body.

Common Symptoms of SIBO

SIBO and IBS can look a lot alike, but there are some symptoms that might hint you’re dealing with SIBO instead of plain old IBS.

1. Bloating and Gas
   Everyone gets gas sometimes, but with SIBO, it’s way more extreme. If you feel like you’re blowing up like a balloon after meals, especially after eating carbs, SIBO might be the cause.

2. Excessive Belching
   While IBS can cause gas, constant burping is more common with SIBO. That’s because the bacteria in your small intestine are fermenting food they shouldn’t be.

3. Abdominal Pain or Cramping
   IBS and SIBO both cause stomach pain, but SIBO’s pain is often more intense, especially after eating.

4. Diarrhea or Constipation
   SIBO can cause both diarrhea and constipation, sometimes alternating between the two. IBS usually leans more toward one or the other.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss
   If you’re losing weight without trying, it could be a sign of SIBO. The overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine might be stopping your body from absorbing nutrients.

6. Food Intolerances
   With SIBO, you may start noticing that certain foods make you feel sick, especially foods high in carbohydrates. That’s because those foods feed the bacteria, causing more symptoms.

What’s Happening in Your Body with SIBO?

So, what exactly is SIBO? In a healthy gut, most bacteria stay in your large intestine, where they help digest food. But in people with SIBO, too many bacteria move into the small intestine—the place where your food is supposed to be absorbed, not fermented.

The bacteria in your small intestine start to ferment the foods you eat, especially carbohydrates (like bread, pasta, and even some veggies). This fermentation process produces a lot of gas, which leads to bloating, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

SIBO vs. IBS: What’s the Difference?

Many people with IBS are misdiagnosed because their symptoms match up with SIBO. In fact, some studies suggest that up to 80% of people diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO. That’s a lot of people who could be getting better treatment if they knew!

The big difference is that IBS is more of a functional disorder, meaning your gut is having trouble working properly. SIBO, on the other hand, is caused by an actual bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine. Treating that bacterial overgrowth and helping your motility can help relieve symptoms and get your gut back on track.

How Does SIBO Happen?

Your body has a special way of keeping bacteria where they belong. It’s called the migrating motor complex (MMC), and it acts like a broom, sweeping bacteria out of your small intestine in between meals. But when something goes wrong with your MMC, like after an infection, surgery, or even stress, the bacteria aren’t cleared out like they should be. They build up in your small intestine, causing SIBO.

Over time, this bacterial overgrowth throws off the balance of your gut microbiota, making it harder for your body to absorb nutrients and causing all those uncomfortable symptoms﹣bloating, belching, gassiness.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for an IBS Diagnosis

If you’ve been told you have IBS but are still struggling with bloating, gas, and stomach pain, it’s worth asking your doctor to test for SIBO. (It's a 3-hour breath test by the way.) Many people feel better once they get the right diagnosis and treatment! SIBO can be tough to deal with, but with the right approach, it can be managed—and you can get back to feeling like yourself again.