Breath Tests

What is a Hydrogen Breath Test?

A hydrogen breath test is a simple, non-invasive tool used to evaluate how well your body digests and absorbs certain sugars, such as lactose and fructose. It’s also commonly used to help diagnose Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition in which bacteria that normally live in the colon migrate into the small intestine.

How It Works

Normally, the sugars you eat are broken down and absorbed in the small intestine. But if your body doesn’t produce enough of a specific digestive enzyme — like lactase, needed to digest lactose — or if bacteria are present where they shouldn’t be, that sugar passes through undigested.

When undigested sugar reaches the colon, bacteria there ferment it, producing hydrogen gas as a byproduct. Since the human body doesn’t naturally produce hydrogen on its own, any hydrogen detected in your breath is a clear signal that bacterial fermentation has taken place somewhere in your digestive tract.

We offer hydrogen breath tests:

  • Lactose Intolerance
  • Fructose Intolerance
  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome (SIBO)

What is the preparation for the tests?

All 3 tests require the same prep:

  • Discontinue all Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) which include Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Dexlansoprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole seven (7) days prior to the test.
  • Discontinue H2 Blockers (Pepcid, Zantac, Tagamet, Axid, Rantidine, Famotidine) five (5) days prior to the breath test.
  • The day before your test, please limit your diet to the following foods ONLY:
    • Baked or broiled chicken, fish or turkey with only salt and pepper seasoning if needed
    • White bread only
    • Plain steamed white rice
    • Eggs
    • Clear chicken or beef broth (no vegetable broth)
    • Plain tofu with only salt and pepper seasoning if needed
    • Coffee and Tea with no cream or sugar
  • Avoid all other foods and drinks except water
  • You should begin a complete fast (no food or drinks other than water) 12 hours prior to your breath test.
  • On the day of your test, there is no smoking (including second hand smoke) at least 1 hour before or at any time during the test.
  • No sleeping or vigorous exercise for at least 1 hour before or at any time during the test.
  • Nothing by mouth one (1) hour before you start your breath test. This means no water, gum, mints, smoking, etc.

 

How is the breath test administered?

Each test is 3 hours in length and begins with a base line breath sample. Then, depending on the test, you will drink a specialized solution. Lactose and Fructose tests require 1 breath sample each hour of the test. SIBO tests require a breath sample every 20 minutes. You will complete the breath test at home.