We have added to our facilities the latest HYDROGEN BREATH TEST – a NON INVASIVE TEST useful for diagnosis of MILK ALLERGY, SIBO, etc.
A hydrogen breath test provides information about the digestion of certain sugars or carbohydrates, such as milk sugar (lactose) or fruit sugar (fructose). This will help determine if you are intolerant to certain sugars. One example is the use of this test to detect lactose intolerance, a disorder in which people have symptoms from abnormal processing of lactose, a substance in many foods including milk and ice cream. The test is also used for detecting abnormal growth of bacteria within the small bowel by having the patient ingest lactulose. Bacterial overgrowth can cause a variety of symptoms including diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal cramps.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
SIBO refers to having an unusual amount of bacteria in your small intestine. This can cause many symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and malabsorption.
If you have SIBO, the bacteria in your small intestine will break down the sugar solution given during the hydrogen breath test. This results in hydrogen, which a hydrogen breath test will pick up.
The day of your test
Avoid eating or drinking anything, including water, in the 8 to 12 hours prior to your test. Your doctor will confirm with you when you should stop eating and drinking.
You may continue to take any usual prescription medications with a small amount of water. Just make sure you tell your doctor about any prescription medications you take, especially if you have diabetes. You may need to adjust your insulin dosage before the test.
The day of your test, you should also avoid:
- smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke
- chewing gum
- using mouthwash or breath mints
- exercising
