Breath Tests
There are a variety of breath tests available to detect different conditions, such as SIBO, fructose intolerance and lactose intolerance. See below to read more about each breath test and the specific condition they test for.
Fructose Intolerance Breath Test
To determine if you have difficulty absorbing fructose (a naturally occurring sugar), your provider may recommend a fructose intolerance breath test. Fructose is a natural sugar that is found across many foods including fruit, vegetables, and sweeteners. If your body is not able to absorb fructose well you may be experiencing diarrhea, gas and bloating.
Typically, fructose is absorbed by the small intestine and is then metabolized by the liver. When fructose isn’t properly digested, it will enter the large intestine after going through the small intestine, which then causes bacteria and gas to be produced.
What to expect:
Hydrogen levels in your breath are measured before drinking a water-dissolved fructose and then again several times after ingesting it for a span of two to three hours. All physical activity should be limited while the test is happening. If hydrogen levels are high, it’s an indication that your body isn’t properly absorbing the sugar.
The breath test is noninvasive but there could be discomfort caused during the test due to inducing reactions to get a better understanding of what is happening in your body. If you experience any discomfort such as bloating or passing gas, your provider may ask you to record all symptoms.
These symptoms are triggered to provide the clearest diagnosis. Once your doctor can see what is causing the pain and discomfort, then a treatment plan can be put into effect to prevent those symptoms from reoccurring.
Treatment plans vary from patient to patient, but a typical plan involves implementing a low-fructose diet. If the breath test didn’t provide a clear answer, additional tests may be necessary.
Lactose Intolerance Breath Test
Similar to the fructose intolerance breath test, the lactose intolerance breath test helps determine if you’re unable to digest lactose. Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar found in milk and dairy based products. Lactose intolerance occurs when your small intestine doesn’t produce enough enzymes.
A lactose breath test may be necessary if you are experiencing uncomfortable and unmanageable symptoms such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea or nausea.
When a hydrogen breath test is requested, your hydrogen levels will be measured before you drink a lactose beverage, and then again at certain intervals. If you hydrogen levels are high, that means your body isn’t properly digesting lactose.
Once the test is complete and your doctor analyzes the results, you will be provided a treatment plan to help prevent any further discomfort. One of the most common treatment options is to switch to a low-lactose diet which would include limiting all dairy consumption. This does not mean you have to fully cut out dairy, just focus on minimizing portions or eating it less frequently.
SIBO Breath Test
What is SIBO?
SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. When you’re diagnosed with SIBO, you’re experiencing an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. There is a certain amount of bacteria that should be present, however, when too much bacteria can cause digestion issues.
What causes SIBO?
Your gut is complex. There are mechanical and chemical functions that must work together to maintain flora balance. Flora balance keeps your GI system functioning properly. When any part of the mechanical or chemical functions starts to function improperly, it causes flora imbalances resulting in SIBO.
What are symptoms of SIBO?
Like many other conditions, SIBO symptoms will vary between all patients. Symptoms could include but are not limited to:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Bloating or indigestion
- Abdominal discomfort
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosing SIBO
SIBO Breath Test Diagnosis
When diagnosing SIBO, a SIBO breath test may be necessary. The test will check for any bacterial overgrowth. This test can help find the underlying problem of the uncomfortable symptoms you’re experiencing to help provide a treatment plan and get you feeling back to normal.
The SIBO breath test is noninvasive. You will drink a sugary solution and breathe into a breathalyzer. As you’re breathing out, amounts of methane and hydrogen are being measured. Any intestinal bacteria will ferment and will come out in your breath. If there are spikes in either your methane or hydrogen levels, this typically means there is excess bacteria in your small intestine.
If the SIBO breath test doesn’t provide clear enough information for your doctor to diagnose the underlying problem, additional tests may be requested. One or more of the following may be necessary:
- X-rays
- MRI
- Stool evaluation
- Blood test
SIBO Treatment Options
Treatment plans vary between patients based on the diagnosis. The most common treatment is antibiotics. Depending on your medical history and the underlying cause of your SIBO, antibiotics could be a short term or long-term solution.
Your provider may also recommend dietary changes such as adding supplements for nutritional aspects you may be falling short on. Additionally, it may be recommended to limit all dairy consumption.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a GI provider, please call 515.875.9115.