SIBO Specialist

Greater New York Gastroenterology, PC

Gastroenterologist located in New York, NY

If you suspect or have been told that you have SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) then Dr. Hon-Ming Eng at Greater NY Gastroenterology P.C. is here for you. Located in Uptown Manhattan, Dr. Eng provides personal and professional attention to your SIBO treatment.

SIBO Q & A

What is SIBO?

There are over 100 trillion bacterial organisms in your gut, but only around 100 thousand organisms in the small intestine. It is when there is abnormal bacteria growth in your small intestine that problems arise. SIBO treatment involves dealing with that bad bacteria.

While diet and general health are a factor, SIBO is believed to result from chronic stress. Recent research also points to acute gastroenteritis due to food poisoning, H. Pylori, and common gut irritation. Changes in your gut nerves can alter motility (how things move), and trigger bacterial overgrowth.

What are Some Signs that I May Have SIBO?

‘Leaky gut’ symptoms are a major indicator of SIBO. These can range from headaches to food sensitivities, fatigue, mood swings, skin issues, joint pain and asthma.

Fructose malabsorption, weight loss, anemia, and steatorrhea or fatty stools are also red flags for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

Like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, SIBO may also be indicating by excessive:

  • Belching
  • Gas
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Cramping
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation or Diarrhea

How Can a Gastroenterologist Determine if I Have SIBO?

Because the small intestine is so difficult to reach, there is no perfect test for SIBO. Your specialist, however, will tell you that a simple breath test is the most certain way to diagnose if you need SIBO treatment. This breath test involves drinking a solution made from glucose or lactulose and then measuring the levels of methane and hydrogen gasses in your breath several hours later.

Another test measures the specific Organic Acids present in urine. High levels of these acids are due to bacteria overgrown in the small intestine.

What SIBO Treatments are Available?

Your medical professional knows that, while diagnosing SIBO is relatively simple, treating it is not. Treatment often includes the combination of a specific diet and various antibiotics. Your SIBO diagnosis will probably lead your gastroenterologist to prescribe:

Insurance Information

Here is a shortlist of the insurance providers we accept. For more information, please call our office. Also please call if your plan is through the Health Insurance Exchange so we can verify.

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
EmblemHealth
GHI
HIP
MagnaCare
Medicare
Oxford Health Plans
UnitedHealthcare