Blind loop syndrome

Blind loop syndrome (BLS), commonly referred to in the literature as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BOS), is a state that occurs when the normal bacterial flora of the small intestine proliferates to numbers that cause significant derangement to the normal physiological processes of digestion and absorption. It should also be noted that in some cases of blind loop syndrome overgrowth of pathogenic non-commensal bacteria has been noted. It has long been understood that from birth, and throughout life, large amounts of bacteria reside symbiotically within the gastrointestinal tract of human beings. Such an understanding has even led to novel treatments for bowel irregularity that utilize so called "probiotics" or good bacteria that aid in normal digestion. The problem of BLS arises when the bacterial colonies residing in the upper gastrointestinal tract begin to grow out of control or are altered in their makeup thereby creating a burden on the normal physiological processes occurring in the small intestine. This results in problems inclusive of but not restricted to vitamin B12 deficiency, fat malabsorption and steatorrhea, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and intestinal wall injury.