Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: A possible association with fibromyalgia

Objectives: Subjects with fibromyalgia [FMS] frequently have nonspecific bowel complaints similar to subjects with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth [SIBO]. The aim of this study was to test whether 1. SIBO is prevalent in FMS and 2. If treatment of SIBO reduces bowel symptoms. Methods: Of 815 subjects undergoing lactulose hydrogen breath testing for assessment of SIBO, 123 patients had FMS. Those with SIBO were treated with antibiotics. At the initial and follow-up visits, subjects were asked to rate their symptoms. Symptom scores before and after treatment were compared. Results: Of the 123 subjects with FMS, 96 [78%] were found to have SIBO. Returning subjects reported a 57 +/- 29% overall improvement in symptoms with significant improvement in bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation,joint pains, and fatigue [P < 0.05]. Conclusions: 1. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is associated with FMS, 2. Eradication of SIBO improves intestinal symptoms in FMS. (C) 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.