Private SIBO Testing & Treatment in Central London
At LSDC Healthcare, we offer accurate, consultant-supervised Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) testing using hydrogen and methane breath tests.
Located just two minutes from Liverpool Street Station, our clinic provides rapid access to diagnostic testing and expert treatment for patients experiencing chronic bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and unexplained digestive symptoms.
What Is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacteria accumulate in the small intestine, disrupting normal digestion.
It is increasingly recognised as a cause of:
Bloating and abdominal discomfort
Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
Gas and belching
Food intolerances (e.g. fructose, lactose)
Unexplained nutritional deficiencies (B12, iron)
IBS-like symptoms
Types of SIBO
SIBO is not the same for every patient. Breath testing can reveal different subtypes:
Hydrogen-dominant SIBO → often linked with diarrhoea and urgency
Methane-dominant SIBO (IMO – Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth) → more commonly associated with constipation and bloating
Hydrogen sulphide SIBO → causes severe bloating, foul-smelling gas, and diarrhoea (harder to detect, but suspected clinically)
Understanding the subtype is crucial because it affects the choice of antibiotics, diet, and probiotics used in treatment.
Symptoms of SIBO
Patients with SIBO often report:
Persistent bloating (worse after meals)
Excessive wind and discomfort
Loose stools, diarrhoea, or constipation
Nausea or reflux symptoms
Brain fog and fatigue
Unexplained weight changes
How Is SIBO Diagnosed?
At LSDC, we perform hydrogen and methane breath testing, the gold-standard non-invasive test for SIBO.
The SIBO Breath Test Process:
Preparation: special low-fermentable diet the day before.
Fasting: overnight before the test.
Baseline measurement: initial hydrogen/methane levels recorded.
Test sugar drink (lactulose or glucose) is taken.
Breath samples collected every 15–20 minutes over 2–3 hours.
Results: interpreted directly by your consultant gastroenterologist.
Conditions Linked to SIBO
SIBO is often secondary to other digestive conditions. At LSDC, our consultants investigate both SIBO and its root causes, including:
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) — up to 60% of IBS patients test positive for SIBO
Coeliac disease
Crohn’s disease
Diabetes and altered gut motility
Post-surgical changes (bowel surgery, gastric bypass, adhesions)
Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
Motility disorders (achalasia, gastroparesis, pseudo-obstruction)
Treatment for SIBO at LSDC
If your test confirms SIBO, your consultant may recommend:
Antibiotic therapy (e.g. rifaximin, or tailored combinations if methane-positive)
Dietary modification — often low FODMAP or other specialist plans with our dietitians
Probiotics & microbiome support (evidence-based)
Motility optimisation — in patients with underlying slow transit or reflux
Management of root causes (surgery, strictures, coeliac disease, IBD, motility disorders)
Diet & Nutrition in SIBO Management
Dietary strategies play a central role in controlling SIBO symptoms and preventing relapse.
Our in-house dietitians specialise in:
Low FODMAP diet — reducing fermentable carbohydrates
SIBO-specific diets (elemental, SCD, or biphasic approaches, tailored to the patient)
Gradual reintroduction of foods to prevent malnutrition
Support during antibiotic or herbal treatment
Long-term gut microbiome restoration
Herbal & Alternative Therapies
In addition to prescription antibiotics, some patients benefit from evidence-based alternatives such as:
Herbal antimicrobials (oregano oil, berberine, neem, allicin)
Prokinetics (ginger, low-dose erythromycin, prucalopride) to improve motility and prevent relapse
Probiotics & synbiotics to restore healthy gut flora
At LSDC, our consultants will guide you on what is safe, evidence-based, and tailored to your case.
Preventing SIBO Relapse
Unfortunately, SIBO can recur if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.
Our long-term management plans focus on:
Correcting motility disorders (using medication or physiotherapy)
Optimising nutrition and diet
Treating associated conditions (IBD, coeliac disease, adhesions, reflux surgery side-effects)
Follow-up breath testing to confirm eradication
Gut-directed therapy (psychological support for gut-brain interaction)
Patient Journey at LSDC Healthcare
Consultation with a gastroenterologist — symptom review & medical history
Breath test preparation guidance — diet and fasting instructions
On-site SIBO test — hydrogen & methane measured over 2–3 hours
Same-day review — preliminary results explained
Tailored treatment plan — antibiotics, dietitian support, probiotics, prokinetics
Follow-up testing & monitoring — ensuring eradication and preventing relapse
Consultant Expertise at LSDC Healthcare
Our consultants, including Dr Ahmed Albusoda, are recognised specialists in motility disorders, IBS, and SIBO management.
Patients benefit from:
Consultant-supervised testing
Access to advanced diagnostic equipment
Integrated dietetic and psychological care for long-term results
Tailored treatment plans, not one-size-fits-all approaches
Why Choose Consultant-Led SIBO Testing vs. At-Home Kits?
Many online companies offer postal SIBO tests — but they often lack accuracy and clinical follow-up.
At LSDC Healthcare, you benefit from:
Consultant-supervised testing — ensuring correct preparation and reliable results
On-site hydrogen & methane analysis — immediate, accurate readings
Integration with treatment — direct transition from testing to antibiotics/dietary plans
Multidisciplinary care — gastroenterologists, dietitians, psychologists
This end-to-end pathway is why consultant-led testing has far higher success rates compared to at-home kits.
Why Choose LSDC for SIBO Testing?
Consultant-led SIBO testing and treatment
Hydrogen & methane testing for greater accuracy
On-site breath testing in Central London
Integrated care — dietitians, gastroenterologists, psychologists
Fast results with same-day interpretation
Recognised by insurers (for consultations & investigations)
Transparent self-pay packages for testing and treatment
International Patients & Second Opinions
We frequently see patients from across the UK and abroad who have:
Had negative experiences with inaccurate postal SIBO kits
Undergone treatment but continue to relapse
Complex digestive histories (IBS, IBD, coeliac disease, liver disease)
Our consultants provide second opinions and integrate SIBO management with advanced motility and gastroenterology expertise — something few clinics worldwide can offer.
Private Fees and Insurance
We offer transparent self‑pay packages for private gastroscopy, colonoscopy and advanced endoscopic procedures, and we’re recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Cigna, Healix and other major insurers.Â
Our team will assist with pre‑authorisation and claims to make the process straightforward.
LSDC Healthcare
A couple of minutes outside Liverpool St Station, this excellent facility is conveniently located for Medical consultations in London.
This facility is open during the evenings making it an excellent choice for busy professionals.
Book A Consultation
If you’ve been advised to undergo a gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or would like a second opinion, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our specialists.
Our team will review your symptoms, medical history, and determine the most appropriate diagnostic pathway for you.
Frequently Asked Questions — SIBO Testing
What is SIBO?
SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It occurs when bacteria grow excessively in the small intestine, causing bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or constipation.
How is SIBO diagnosed?
Through hydrogen and methane breath testing after drinking a sugar solution. Breath samples are analysed over 2–3 hours.
Is the SIBO test accurate?
Yes. Hydrogen/methane breath testing is the gold standard non-invasive method for diagnosing SIBO when performed under consultant supervision.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Yes. You’ll follow a special diet the day before and fast overnight. Instructions are provided in advance.
How is SIBO treated?
Treatment usually involves antibiotics such as rifaximin, dietitian-led plans (e.g. low FODMAP), and probiotics. Addressing underlying causes is essential for lasting results.
Is SIBO testing covered by insurance?
Consultations and investigations are often covered by insurers, but breath testing itself may be self-pay. Our team can advise before booking.