Test / Diagnostic Procedure: Breath Testing

Breath testing is a diagnostic test to establish the presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, which occurs when bacteria from your colon move into your small bowel. Breath tests at OneWelbeck are easy to carry out and completely non-invasive. 

Our breath tests detect how much hydrogen and methane is in your breath. We’ll give you a glucose drink that will cause the bacteria in your small intestine (if present) to produce hydrogen and methane, which we can detect in your breath during a simple test.

What is SIBO?

SIBO is where bacteria from your colon move into your small bowel, breaking down the glucose present and producing hydrogen and methane. Glucose is usually absorbed but when broken down, it can slow the passage of food and waste into your digestive tract.

Bacterial overgrowth usually occurs because of abnormal movement of the gut. It is most common if you have illnesses that directly or indirectly affect the gut, such as Crohn’s disease and diabetes. 

SIBO can also occur as part of a complication following stomach surgery. It’s rarer if you have no underlying illness or irritable bowel syndrome (though SIBO can be an underlying cause).

Possible symptoms of SIBO include: 

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhoea

• Weight loss

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Indigestion

• Constipation

• Abdominal swelling

• Flatulence

• Feeling uncomfortably full after eating

• Malnutrition (in severe cases) 

Our breath tests are for anyone who is experiencing possible symptoms of SIBO and finds that at-home management has not helped. 

If you’re unsure if breath testing is correct for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team will happily discuss your symptoms and advise whether breath testing for SIBO will benefit your wellbeing. 

Undergoing breath testing with OneWelbeck offers various benefits. However, the main one is identifying the underlying cause of your digestive issues and symptoms. 

Other benefits of breath testing for SIBO include: 

• Determining whether you have slow gastrointestinal motility

• Creating a personalised treatment plan based on your needs and results 

With a breath test for SIBO at OneWelbeck, you can get your digestive health on the right track. 

Breath tests are non-invasive but take time to complete. So we recommend you bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book. You can also use the Wi-Fi network in our waiting areas.

First, you’ll give us a breath sample by holding your breath and breathing out into a mouthpiece attached to a specialist device. It measures the gases in your breath. Next, we’ll give you a sugary drink and you’ll return to the waiting area. Afterwards, we’ll call you back every 15 minutes to provide further breath samples.

How often we collect a sample can vary but it usually takes up to two hours to complete.

You can drink water during the test, but must have nothing else to eat or drink until the test ends. You should not smoke until after the test or use alcohol hand gel as this affects the breath monitor.

Once your breath test has finished, you can go home immediately and continue your regular activities.

We will compile your results into a report and send it to your doctor. We’ll arrange a follow-up consultation to discuss your test results and any further treatment or recommendations.

How is SIBO treated?

If your results confirm you have SIBO, we’ll address the underlying cause first.

Common treatments for SIBO are:

• Antibiotics – initial treatment for SIBO includes a course of antibiotics. The course should reduce the number of abnormal bacteria in your digestive tract. However, the bacteria can return, so you must speak with your doctor to confirm if you need further antibiotics.

• Nutritional supplements – some people with SIBO need supplements such as vitamin B12, calcium and iron. Sometimes, injections may be necessary for B12.

• Dietary changes – the damage that SIBO causes to your small intestine may mean you struggle to digest milk sugar (lactose). If so, you may need to switch to a lactose-free diet to support your digestive health.

Based on your results, we will determine and discuss the correct treatment for your needs. With our support, you can manage your digestive health and wellbeing.

At OneWelbeck, you can easily book a consultation with our breath testing specialists to determine whether you could have SIBO. 

Our continuous support means you receive long-term care and advice to protect and manage your digestive health proactively.