Michael BoveeIf you suspect that your child is having problems with his intestines, you might be interested in learning more about SIBOS (small intestine bacterial overgrowth).
Many children are at risk of having an underdeveloped small intestine due to poor digestion. Symptoms of SIBOS include abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
A child with large intestine bacterial overgrowth usually has too many harmful bacteria in his large intestine. This bacterial imbalance in the large intestine can create abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other unpleasant digestive problems. SIBO directly effects the small intestine, causing abdominal discomfort and other uncomfortable digestive problems.
The colon absorbs liquids and solids from the small and large intestine. Foods pass through the stomach without being digested, but digested foods (solid and liquid) can then pass through the colon, creating a sludge or stool. When this sludge reaches the small intestine, it can create gas and diarrhea. Once the gas becomes too much for the small intestine to handle, a full bout of diarrhea occurs. SIBOS is a condition that is often mistaken for constipation, because the intestines seem to be too bloated.
In addition to affecting the small intestine, there is also a condition known as “leaky gut syndrome” that affects children.
Leaky gut syndrome affects the small intestine and can cause the intestines to produce excessive amounts of mucus. This mucus may leak from the intestine into the bloodstream and cause serious issues with the gastrointestinal system. It may also lead to infection and other problems in other parts of the body. Symptoms include: fever, swollen glands, fatigue, and weight loss.
Children are at a higher risk for SIBOS symptoms than adults. Because the small intestine in children is relatively undeveloped, it is easier for toxins to enter the blood stream, where they can wreak havoc on the body’s health. Most children who have SIBOS suffer from diarrhea and abdominal pain, but there are some who only experience occasional bloating and abdominal pain, without having any other symptoms. Some children experience extreme abdominal pain, with pain that radiates down the lower abdomen.
Children with SIBOS may also experience headaches, abdominal pain that radiates down the middle of their stomach, vomiting, constipation, and/or abdominal pain that go beyond the lower abdomen. SIBOS symptoms also can lead to chronic stomach pain and intestinal gas.
They may also experience weight loss, bloating in the abdomen, fever, and abdominal pain while urinating.
If you suspect that your child has SIBOS, you should visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis. A doctor can determine if your child has an infection and rule out other possibilities. The treatment of an infection can range from medications such as antibiotics, oatmeal baths, and other supplements.
For adults, natural home remedies can be very effective. A healthy diet and some dietary changes such as a change in diet can also help reduce your child’s SIBOS symptoms.
Natural homeopathic treatment options can include a daily herbal tea like soprano, echinacea or even chamomile, lemon balm tea, and green tea. You can also take a teaspoon of sibos tea each morning before bedtime or drink one teaspoon in a glass of warm water.
You can also consume a tablespoon of aloe vera gel before bedtime, as well as eating apples or lemons. If you prefer, you can use a teaspoon of cinnamon, ginger, or cloves.
These natural home remedies will help reduce some of the effects of SIBOS but are not as effective as the prescription medications. You should consult a doctor for more effective treatment options.
If SIBOS is left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions, including digestive diseases and intestinal obstruction. Your doctor will be able to give your child the proper treatment to get rid of this painful condition.