The SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) test is the most accurate test for diagnosing a digestive disorder that affects an increasing number of people and is often confused with intolerances or irritable bowel syndrome.
At Turó Park Clinics in Barcelona, you can take this test conveniently and easily, in our clinic or at our partner laboratory. The test costs €70, and the results are rapid and allow you to start the appropriate treatment to improve your quality of life.
What is SIBO?
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a digestive disorder that occurs when there is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine, an area where bacterial counts are normally much lower than in the colon. This growth causes inadequate fermentation of food, generating gases such as hydrogen and methane. This can result in symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, as well as problems absorbing nutrients that sometimes lead to deficiencies.
Among its most common causes are alterations in intestinal motility, prolonged use of antibiotics or other drugs that alter the flora, digestive diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, and low production of gastric or pancreatic juices.
If not treated promptly, SIBO can affect digestive health, the immune system, and overall nutritional status.
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Symptoms of SIBO
This imbalance can manifest differently in each person, but the most common digestive symptoms include:
It is usually due to the fermentation of poorly digested foods in the intestine.
They appear when there is difficulty digesting certain nutrients.
- Caused by irritation or inflammation of the digestive tract.
They reflect an alteration in intestinal rhythm.
It may be a consequence of slow digestion or poor absorption.
The stomach takes longer to empty and causes discomfort after eating.
Lack of absorption directly affects the body's energy.
Sign that the body is not making good use of food.
Which can lead to anemia and other health problems.
A correct diagnosis is essential, as SIBO symptoms are often confused with food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, or functional dyspepsia, which can delay diagnosis. The SIBO test is the key tool to identify whether bacterial overgrowth is the cause of these digestive problems.
What is the SIBO test?
The SIBO test is a breath test that detects the abnormal presence of bacteria in the small intestine.
Test process
Prior preparation
It is necessary to follow specific instructions and a diet for the 24 hours prior to the appointment and arrive after a complete fast (10 hours). It is also important not to take antibiotics or have had a bowel movement or colonoscopy within the previous 4 weeks, nor to consume laxatives, enemas, probiotics, prokinetics, gastric protectors, or proton pump inhibitors for at least one week.
👉 For more details, download the SIBO test pre-test instructions here (PDF).
Intake of a substrate (lactulose or glucose):
The patient drinks a special solution that serves as food for intestinal bacteria.
Breath sample collection:
Over the course of 2 to 3 hours, the air is blown into tubes at regular intervals, taking 7 different readings.
Gas analysis:
The concentration of hydrogen and methane is measured, which allows SIBO to be confirmed or ruled out.
Advantages of the SIBO test
- Fast, safe, and noninvasive: it is performed without tedious procedures and is completely safe.
- Painless: it causes no pain or discomfort during the test.
- It allows differentiation between different types of SIBO (hydrogen, methane, or sulfur): this information guides a more personalized and effective treatment.
- Clear and reliable results in just 3 days after receiving the sample: facilitating a quick and accurate diagnosis.
SIBO test price and where to take it
- Test price: €70 in Barcelona, available at Turó Park Clinics.
- Where to take it: At our clinic in the center of Barcelona, with personalized medical care.
- At our partner laboratory, with the same reliability and convenience.
- No hidden costs: the €70 price includes both the full test and sample analysis.
Who should take this test?
The SIBO test is indicated for patients who suffer from persistent digestive symptoms such as:
- Recurrent abdominal bloating
- Excessive gas
- Unexplained diarrhea or constipation
- Food intolerances (gluten, lactose, fructose)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Unexplained nutritional deficiencies
Before taking the test, it is highly recommended to consult with a gastroenterologist or nutritionist before taking the test. The specialist will be able to assess your symptoms, rule out other possible causes, and determine if the SIBO test is the most appropriate diagnostic test for you.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, the test can be key to obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
SIBO Test Results and Postoperative Treatment
The SIBO test measures the presence of gases in the breath (hydrogen, methane, and sulfur) after ingesting the substrate. Under normal conditions, these gases should be produced in the colon, not the small intestine.
Once the results are obtained, the specialist interprets them in the context of the patient's symptoms. It is important to emphasize that a technical reading of the test is not enough: a clinical evaluation by a gastroenterologist or nutritionist is required to confirm the diagnosis and design the most appropriate treatment plan.
The test results allow the digestive specialist to design a personalized treatment, which usually includes:
- Specific antibiotics (such as rifaximin) to reduce the bacterial load in the small intestine.
- Combination therapies with antibiotics and other drugs when methane overgrowth is detected.
- Selected probiotic supplements to help restore the balance of the intestinal microbiota.
- Dietary changes, such as a low-FODMAP diet or specific protocols based on the type of SIBO. This diet is customized for each patient to improve intestinal flora.
- Nutritional support to correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, iron, or magnesium.
In some cases, relapse prevention is also addressed by treating the underlying cause: intestinal motility problems, chronic digestive disorders, or prolonged use of certain medications.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help relieve symptoms and prevent long-term complications, significantly improving the patient's quality of life, reducing symptoms such as bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, and promoting better nutrient absorption.
Your fast and reliable SIBO diagnosis
Take your SIBO test in Barcelona for only €70 and get a clear and reliable diagnosis so you can start treatment as soon as possible.
