Review article: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bile acid malabsorption and gluten intolerance as possible causes of chronic watery diarrhoea

Summary Background Chronic watery diarrhoea is one of the most common symptoms prompting GI evaluation. Recently, new diagnostic considerations have emerged as possible factors in chronic diarrhoea. Aim To review available data regarding diagnosis and treatment of chronic diarrhoea with an emphasis on bacterial overgrowth and bile acid malabsorption. Methods A systematic search of the English language literature of chronic diarrhoea was performed focused on three possible aetiologies of diarrhoea: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), idiopathic bile salt malabsorption (IBAM), gluten responsive enteropathy. Results Recent studies suggest that SIBO and bile acid malabsorption may have been underestimated as possible causes of chronic watery diarrhoea. Gluten intolerance with negative coeliac serology is a contentious possible cause of watery diarrhoea, but requires further research before acceptance as an entity. Conclusion In patients with otherwise unexplained chronic watery diarrhoea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and bile salt malabsorption should be considered and investigated.