By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and your test results look “perfect” — but you still feel bloated, gassy, or exhausted — you’re not alone.
One gut issue I see far too often — and that’s easy to miss but easy to treat — is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).
As a Dubai-based gastroenterologist, I often find my non-IBD patients are more aware of SIBO than my Crohn’s and colitis patients — yet the reality is, IBD patients are often at higher risk of SIBO than the average person.
So if your gut still doesn’t feel right, here’s what you should know.
What is SIBO and Why Does It Matter for IBD?
SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It happens when bacteria that normally stay in your large intestine move into your small intestine, where they don’t belong.
When these bacteria overgrow in the small bowel, they ferment food too early — producing excess hydrogen and methane gases.
Typical SIBO symptoms include:
- Bloating and uncomfortable fullness
- Excess gas, belching
- Cramping after meals
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Brain fog and fatigue
SIBO itself isn’t “part of” IBD — but the two often overlap. Many Crohn’s and UC patients have “normal” scopes and blood work yet feel unwell. Undiagnosed SIBO could be the reason.
Learn more about IBD care in Dubai
Why Are Crohn’s and Colitis Patients at Higher Risk?
If you have Crohn’s disease affecting the small bowel, you’re more likely to develop SIBO because:
- Previous bowel surgery can change gut flow
- Narrowing (strictures) slows digestion
- Slower motility allows bacteria to grow in the wrong place
Even in ulcerative colitis, if your gut motility slows or bacteria shift into the small bowel, SIBO can develop.
📊 Did you know? Studies show up to 40% of Crohn’s patients have SIBO in some form — yet it often goes undiagnosed.
How Do We Test for SIBO?
Here in my Dubai clinic, I use a Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test to check for SIBO.
How the breath test works:
1️⃣ Follow a short prep diet and overnight fast
2️⃣ Drink a sugar solution (lactulose or glucose)
3️⃣ Provide breath samples every 15–20 minutes for about 2 hours
4️⃣ The test machine measures gas levels — early spikes suggest bacterial overgrowth
It’s simple, non-invasive, and very effective for diagnosing SIBO.
Treating SIBO — The Good News
If your test is positive, SIBO is very treatable.
Most patients respond well to:
- A short course of targeted antibiotics
- Sometimes herbal antimicrobial therapy
- Temporary dietary changes (like a low-FODMAP diet)
- Support for gut motility if needed
One study showed 75% of IBD patients with SIBO saw real improvement after treatment.
FAQs: SIBO and IBD
What are the symptoms of SIBO if I have Crohn’s or UC?
Bloating, gas, cramping, loose stools, or fatigue — especially when your IBD tests look normal — may point to SIBO.
How do you test for SIBO in Dubai?
A simple hydrogen & methane breath test in my clinic can diagnose SIBO accurately.
Is SIBO common in Crohn’s or colitis?
Yes — studies suggest up to 40% of Crohn’s patients may have SIBO, especially if they’ve had surgery or small bowel involvement.
Where can I see a specialist for SIBO and IBD in Dubai?
I help patients manage Crohn’s, colitis, and gut health issues — including SIBO — with personalized, evidence-based care.
Final Thoughts
✅ If your gut doesn’t feel right — even when your IBD is “under control” — SIBO might be the missing piece.
It’s common. It’s easy to test for. And with the right treatment, it’s fixable.
For all appointments and inquiries, please either WhatsApp +971 58 905 6211 or click here to request an appointment online.
Stay informed — and remember, your gut deserves answers that go beyond the obvious.