Preparing for a SIBO Specialist Appointment
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is often under-diagnosed and confused with IBS, yet requires specific testing and targeted treatment. A SIBO-aware gastroenterologist or functional medicine doctor needs detailed symptom documentation and investigation history to diagnose accurately and recommend appropriate antibiotic or herbal treatment protocols.
Reviewed by the Brief My Doctor editorial team · Last updated June 2026
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What to tell your doctor
- 1Bloating pattern: when it appears during the day, how severe
- 2Abdominal pain or discomfort and location
- 3Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating patterns
- 4Gas and belching, especially postprandial
- 5When symptoms started and whether they are improving or worsening
- 6Whether symptoms worsen immediately after eating (within 30 minutes to 1 hour)
- 7Any previous IBS diagnosis or testing
- 8Food sensitivities: which foods trigger symptoms
- 9Whether low-FODMAP diet helped
- 10History of food poisoning, antibiotics, or digestive surgery
Questions to ask your doctor
- Q1.Should I have lactulose or glucose breath testing?
- Q2.If I have SIBO, what is the recommended treatment protocol?
- Q3.Are antibiotics or herbal antimicrobials appropriate?
- Q4.What diet should I follow during treatment?
- Q5.How long will treatment take?
- Q6.What happens if treatment does not work?
- Q7.Should I take probiotics?
- Q8.Are there long-term dietary restrictions?
Don't forget to bring
- ✓Detailed symptom diary with timing relative to meals
- ✓List of foods that trigger symptoms
- ✓Previous breath test results if available
- ✓Documentation of any antibiotic use history
- ✓Previous GI investigations or colonoscopy results
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