Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is sometimes confused with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) due to overlapping symptoms. In this blog, we’ll be talking about the similarities and differences between the two conditions. You’ll also learn about our revolutionary approach to microbiome testing – using on-the-go breath analysis as a tool for long-term gut health management. 

Overlapping symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, cramping, gas, and urgent stools. Both SIBO and IBS can also cause fatigue (tiredness) and poor concentration or brain fog. However, some cases of SIBO are associated with a loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies, and unintentional weight loss, particularly in severe or chronic cases. Despite these similarities, the causes behind the symptoms are quite different. 

But does one condition cause the other? While SIBO and IBS often coexist, there is no conclusive evidence that one directly causes the other. Research suggests that more than one-third of IBS patients may also have SIBO.  

Luckily, SIBO can be easily diagnosed with a breath test. This test will show whether the hydrogen and methane levels on your breath are above a specific threshold. You’ll need to drink a sweet substrate first, which is designed to trigger gas production by microbes in the small intestine. Order a SIBO test if you’re unsure. 

IBS is a little harder to diagnose and it’s essentially a process of elimination. Our IBS eBook explains that the Rome IV Criteria are used for diagnosis. This can help to determine the subtype of IBS present i.e. if it’s constipation dominant (IBS-C), diarrhea dominant (IBS-D) or mixed (IBS-M).  IBS is a complex condition that requires a personalized approach, but many individuals can significantly improve their symptoms with the right management plan.

Whether you’ve got SIBO or IBS, here’s how OMED Health can help you.

Our revolutionary new breath analyzer allows you to get real-time data that reveals valuable insights into your gut health. 

So what does it measure? You’ll be able to see your real-time hydrogen and methane levels in your breath on our mobile app. These are microbial metabolites – gases that are produced by the bacteria and other microbes living in your gut. 

High levels of hydrogen and methane are often associated with symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain. This can be due to the poor absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine, leaving more of these sugars for our gut microbes to digest. 

Interestingly, people who experience bloating and excess gas may also be less efficient at cleaning up the gas in their gut. In fact, three quarters of the gas we produce is either further metabolised into non-gas products (by microbes) or absorbed then breathed out. This means that only one quarter comes out the other end (flatulence). Breath analysis is therefore a great way to gain insights into the gut microbiome. 

By purchasing the device in the UK, you will not only gain access to real-time gas levels in breath, but the support of our gut health doctor! 

The best part of the OMED Health app is that it allows you to track the foods you’ve eaten, sleep, stress levels, bowel movements and more – all alongside your hydrogen and methane data. This means that you can start to monitor your changing gas levels over time and how your symptoms might be linked to different triggers. 

We believe that everyone will have a unique response to different diets, lifestyle changes and medical treatments. That’s why it is crucial to have the support of a medical professional alongside you and your OMED Health Breath Analyzer.