Small bowel bacterial overgrowth: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
Sudden or severe abdominal pain
A very swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or gas
Persistent vomiting, especially with severe pain
Vomit containing blood or material resembling coffee grounds
Black or bloody stools
Fainting, confusion, marked weakness, or very little urine
These are not typical features of uncomplicated SIBO.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact a medical service promptly if you have frequent vomiting, cannot keep fluids down, have worsening diarrhoea with signs of dehydration, or develop a fever with significant abdominal symptoms.
They may indicate a bowel blockage, bleeding, severe dehydration, or another condition requiring urgent assessment.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if bloating, pain, diarrhoea, or constipation keeps returning or interferes with daily life.
You should also seek assessment for unplanned weight loss, ongoing greasy stools, persistent tiredness, signs of anaemia, or symptoms that have not improved after treatment.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Small bowel bacterial overgrowth. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.