Overview
The symptoms of SIBO overlap with many other gastrointestinal conditions, some of which you may already have. So when you seek a medical diagnosis, SIBO might not be the first thing your healthcare provider suspects. But if your symptoms and medical history suggest SIBO, your healthcare provider may suggest a breath test to verify it. This simple, noninvasive SIBO test measures hydrogen and/or methane levels in your breath to determine the presence of gas-producing bacteria in your gut. If your levels are above a certain number, it suggests an abundance of bacteria.
Your healthcare provider may suggest additional tests to look for signs of causes and complications of SIBO, including:
- Blood tests for vitamin deficiencies and blood protein deficiencies.
- A stool test (poop test) for excess undigested fats or bile acids.
- Imaging tests to check for structural problems.
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Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.
Prevention
Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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