Questions for Your Clinician

Use these questions to guide a visit about suspected SIBO.

Diagnosis

• Do my symptoms and risk factors fit SIBO?
• Should I have breath testing before treatment?
• Which breath test are you ordering?
• Will the test measure hydrogen, methane, or both?
• How should I prepare for the test?
• Could medications affect the result?

Differential Diagnosis

• Could my symptoms be caused by IBS, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid diarrhea, thyroid disease, infection, or medication effects?
• Do I need bloodwork or stool testing?
• Are there red flag symptoms that change the evaluation?

Treatment

• What treatment do you recommend and why?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• What should I do if symptoms do not improve?
• What is the plan if symptoms recur?
• Should I see a gastroenterologist?

Diet and Nutrition

• Should I change my diet temporarily?
• Should I work with a dietitian?
• Should I be checked for vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, or other deficiencies?