Should We Treat SIBO Patients? Impact on Quality of Life and Response to Comprehensive Treatment: A Real-World...

Background: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a dysbiosis marked by an excessive proliferation of bacteria in the small intestine, resulting in abdominal symptoms that significantly affect patients' quality of life. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive therapeutic approach in improving the quality of life of patients with SIBO. Methods: For this purpose, standardized questionnaires were used at baseline, 30 days and 90 days, including the IBS-QOL (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life Questionnaire), the GSRS (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale), the EuroQOL-5D, and the Bristol Scale. Results: The results show that a comprehensive approach, combining pharmacological treatment, appropriate dietary intervention, and strategies aimed at improving gut microbiota and intestinal permeability, produces a sustained improvement in the quality of life of a significant proportion of patients who participated in the study. Furthermore, the results suggest that, although gas normalization is a relevant indicator, clinical improvement and quality of life depend considerably on patients' subjective perception of their health. Conclusions: This finding underscores the importance of recognizing SIBO as a prevalent condition that requires accurate diagnoses and individualized treatments to improve patients' well-being.