Did you know bloating after almost every meal is not normal — even if you've lived with it for years? Digestive symptoms affect energy, nutrition, metabolism and overall well-being. When symptoms persist, it may be important to look beyond diet alone. We do not perform SIBO or H. pylori testing directly in our office — when clinically appropriate, our provider coordinates testing through an appropriate outside laboratory or testing service (such as TriCore or Quest).
What is SIBO?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when an excessive number of bacteria are present in the small intestine, interfering with digestion and contributing to bloating, abdominal discomfort, excessive gas, changes in bowel habits and food intolerance. SIBO is commonly evaluated with a noninvasive breath test: you drink a specific sugar solution and provide breath samples at scheduled intervals, analyzed for gases produced by intestinal bacteria — most commonly hydrogen and methane. Elevated hydrogen may accompany diarrhea patterns; elevated methane is often associated with slower intestinal movement and constipation (also called intestinal methanogen overgrowth, IMO). The gas pattern helps your provider build a more individualized treatment approach.
What is H. pylori?
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that can infect the stomach lining, contributing to inflammation and certain stomach and duodenal ulcers. Symptoms may include upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, bloating, indigestion or frequent burping — though some people have none. Evaluation methods include breath testing, stool testing, blood testing in selected situations, or testing during an upper endoscopy. The most appropriate test depends on your symptoms, history, medications and any previous H. pylori treatment.
They are not the same problem
SIBO primarily involves abnormal bacterial activity in the small intestine, while H. pylori affects the stomach lining. Because symptoms overlap, determining the underlying cause matters more than assuming one condition explains everything.
When should testing be considered?
Persistent or unexplained bloating or abdominal distention, excessive gas, abdominal discomfort, chronic constipation or diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, unexplained nausea or indigestion, early fullness after eating, food-related digestive symptoms, or symptoms that return after previous digestive treatment.
Preparation matters
Certain medications, supplements, foods and recent treatments can affect breath or stool results. You may receive instructions about antibiotics, probiotics, acid-reducing medications, laxatives, diet before testing, fasting, and smoking, exercise or chewing gum during the test period. Always follow your specific instructions — and do not stop prescription medications unless your provider tells you to.
The colon, immunity & autoimmune disease — ask why
The colon is our main organ for immunity, so digestive problems and autoimmune problems are often connected. When autoimmune disease appears, we ask why: could it be parasites? Inflammation of the colon? A comprehensive digestive evaluation considers stomach function, intestinal motility, diet, medications, metabolic health and previous infections — because treating the trigger beats chasing the symptoms.
After testing
Your provider reviews results alongside your symptoms, history and medications. Treatment may involve medications, nutritional strategies, additional testing, or addressing factors behind recurring symptoms, with follow-up to assess your response.
