How do you know SIBO is cleared?

The absolute gold standard for confirming SIBO clearance is a follow-up breath test. This post-treatment evaluation, typically a [lactulose vs glucose breath test](/lactulose-vs-glucose-breath-test), must show gas levels below consensus positive thresholds: hydrogen under 20 ppm, methane under 10 ppm, and hydrogen sulfide under 3 ppm. While complete symptom resolution is a strong indicator of success, it is not definitive on its own. Localized gut lining inflammation, dysbiosis, and visceral hypersensitivity can cause lingering IBS-like symptoms, such as mild bloating or altered motility, even after the overgrown bacteria are cleared. Conversely, you can be asymptomatic but still have elevated gas levels. Therefore, combining clinical gas tracking with symptom monitoring is essential for confirming full eradication.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed and fact-checked by Daryl Stubbs, Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant (C.H.N.C), for educational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice or a doctor-patient relationship.