MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Intestinal bacterial overgrowth

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Intestinal bacterial overgrowth

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Alternative names	Definition

Alternative names

Post gastrectomy syndrome; Stagnant loop; Overgrowth - intestinal bacteria; Gastrojejunal loop obstruction; Afferent loop syndrome; Bacterial overgrowth - intestine

Definition Return to top

Intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurs when the normal bacterial population of the gut has been eradicated. This is caused by a variety of disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea. Severe cases lead to malnutrition.

Update Date: 4/29/2003

Updated by: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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