A hydrogen breath test is a straightforward and non-invasive test that measures the levels of hydrogen and methane gases in your breath when you exhale.
Under normal circumstances, gases such as hydrogen and methane are produced by bacteria which live in the large bowel (colon) when they break down food. Gases are able to pass out of your gut into the bloodstream and circulate to the lungs, where they are exhaled in your breath. The amount of hydrogen and methane in a sample of your breath can be measured using a special monitor.
We can use the change in the amounts of these gases over time (after a sugary drink) to test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and carbohydrate malabsorption.
At Welbeck, this simple, non-invasive test is performed by our consultant gastroenterologists in our state-of-the-art Digestive Health centre.
Who is breath testing for?
Our breath tests are for anyone who experiences possible symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and finds that at-home management has not helped. Breath tests can also be used to identify carbohydrate malabsorption.
What is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria which are normally present in the colon have moved into the small bowel. This is where glucose is usually absorbed, but if bacteria have increased in that area, they will break down the glucose drink we give to you and produce hydrogen.
Bacterial overgrowth usually occurs because of abnormal movement of the gut. It’s most common in patients with illnesses which directly or indirectly affect the gut and less common in patients with no underlying illness or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Possible symptoms of SIBO include:
What is carbohydrate malabsorption?
Carbohydrates (sugars) such as lactose and fructose are usually absorbed in the small bowel. If some of the sugar is not absorbed and reaches the large bowel, this is referred to as malabsorption. If sugar reaches the large bowel, the gut bacteria which live there break it down and produce gases such as methane and hydrogen, which we can measure using a breath test. Malabsorption of lactose or fructose can lead to symptoms such as cramping, bloating and diarrhoea, and this is called lactose or fructose intolerance.
Symptoms of intolerance can vary depending on the person and the amount of sugar they have eaten. An intolerance is not an allergy, and for most people, treatment involves being aware of the problem and lowering the dose of these sugars rather than complete avoidance.
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 will benefit your wellbeing.
