What Is SIBO and Why a SIBO Medical Awareness Card Matters

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, more commonly known as SIBO, happens when too many bacteria build up in the small intestine. These bacteria, although normal in other parts of the gut, should not be present in high numbers in the small intestine. When they grow out of control, they interfere with digestion and can lead to a long list of uncomfortable symptoms. These often include bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, and feelings of fullness after eating just a small amount. Some people also report fatigue, nausea, or problems with concentration.

SIBO is often linked to other conditions like IBS, Coeliac Disease, Crohn’s, or slow gut movement. It can also develop after surgery or long-term antibiotic use. Because the symptoms overlap with many other conditions, SIBO is often missed or misdiagnosed. The daily impact can be frustrating and exhausting. Some people live with it for years before getting a clear answer.

Diagnosis usually involves a breath test that looks for certain gases produced by the bacteria. Treatment varies but often includes antibiotics, changes to the diet (like the low FODMAP approach), and steps to improve gut motility. Even after treatment, symptoms can return. Living with SIBO often means learning how to manage the condition over time.

This is where our card can help.

The Role of Our SIBO Medical Awareness Card in Everyday Life

Living with SIBO can mean dealing with daily uncertainty. You might feel fine one day and struggle the next. Meals, social events, or travel can suddenly become stressful. Not everyone understands what SIBO is, and it can be difficult to explain on the spot—especially when you're unwell or tired.

Our card helps bridge that gap. It’s not an ID or a personalised card—it’s a clear, easy way to show others that you’re living with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It doesn’t go into unnecessary detail. It just states the facts in a direct, understandable way.

It’s the same size as a bank card, so it fits in a purse, wallet, lanyard holder, or phone case. You can carry it with you without giving it a second thought.

Why Our Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Medical Awareness Card Can Make a Difference

Sometimes the smallest thing can change the way you’re treated. Our card offers a quiet form of advocacy. It can help you be taken seriously when you need support. Whether you're asking for a bathroom, adjusting a meal, or explaining why you're suddenly unwell, having our card to hand can save time and effort.

Our card might be useful in a medical setting, at a restaurant, or during travel. If you follow a restricted diet because of your condition, showing our card may help make conversations with staff quicker and clearer. In a public place, you might use it to explain a sudden need to sit down or leave early. For children, teens, or those with anxiety, it may offer a simple way to express what’s going on without needing to speak.

Even when you're not using it, just knowing it’s there can offer a bit of peace of mind.

What Makes Our SIBO Medical Awareness Card Different

At The Card Project UK, we make practical, high-quality awareness cards for real-life use. Our card is made from biodegradable plastic, which means it's better for the environment than standard plastic cards. It’s sturdy, long-lasting, and designed to hold up to regular use.

Because our card is not personalised, there’s no waiting around. It’s ready to post quickly and doesn’t need you to upload any photos or information. That also means there’s nothing on it that identifies you personally—no name, address, or contact details. Just the condition, clearly stated.

Some people use our card alongside other tools, like symptom trackers or medical notes. Others keep it on its own, tucked into a bag or wallet as a backup. However you choose to use it, our card gives you a way to state what’s going on without needing to explain yourself.

How Our SIBO Medical Awareness Card Supports Hidden Illness

SIBO is often called a hidden illness. From the outside, a person may look fine—but inside, they’re dealing with discomfort, stress, and uncertainty. Our card supports those moments when you don’t have the energy to explain. It gives weight to what you’re saying, especially in settings where staff or others may not be familiar with SIBO.

You might use our card in school, at work, or on public transport. It’s useful for teenagers and adults alike. If you live with a condition that causes unpredictable symptoms, even a short explanation can feel overwhelming. That’s why our card keeps it simple. No long descriptions. No awkward conversations. Just a straightforward way to show that you have a medical condition that may affect what you can eat, how you feel, or how long you can stay in a place.

Where and When to Use a Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Medical Awareness Card

There’s no right or wrong way to use our card. Some people carry it all the time. Others take it with them to specific places where they expect questions or misunderstandings. Here are a few common situations where our card might help:

• At restaurants or cafes when requesting meal adjustments

• On flights or during long journeys

• At medical appointments, especially with new providers

• In schools or workplaces when discussing support needs

• In shops or queues when symptoms hit suddenly

• While travelling or staying in unfamiliar places

You don’t have to explain every detail of your condition. Our card can do that job for you.

Don’t Let SIBO Control the Conversation – Take Our Card with You

When you’re managing a condition like SIBO, you already have enough to think about. Our SIBO Medical Awareness Card can make one part of that easier. It’s small, discreet, and easy to carry—but it gives you a voice in the moments you need it most.

Order your SIBO Medical Awareness Card from The Card Project UK today and give yourself one less thing to explain tomorrow.