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Hydrogen Breath Test in Broadway

Hydrogen Breath Test

Hydrogen Breath Test in Broadway

Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, Kolkata is a leading Hospital for Hydrogen Breath Tests. Our expert consultant gastroenterologists, radiologists and technicians perform the Hydrogen Breath Test in the most precise way to diagnose conditions such as lactose intolerance, small intestinal bacterial outgrowth (SIBO) and intestinal bowel disease. For the successful and efficient treatment of any ailment, accurate diagnosis plays a major role which is greatly achieved by the exceptional gastroenterology team of Manipal Hospitals. We provide medical services tailored to meet every patient’s needs. We use cutting-edge technology for a clear-cut diagnosis based on the patient's underlying symptoms. Along with rapid and accurate diagnostic results, we also provide expert counselling based on your test results to guide you about the range of treatment options available to treat your condition. With our proven track record of decades of excellence in the field of gastroenterology, we stand as the top hospital for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. 

 

FAQ's

Diagnosing common gastrointestinal problems such as lactose intolerance and SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) may be done easily and noninvasively using the Hydrogen Breath Test. With a breath test, the gas you exhale, typically hydrogen and methane is measured to determine how well you digest specific carbohydrates.

There are mainly 2 conditions that are diagnosed by the Hydrogen Breath Test,

  • Intolerance to one or more sugars, such as lactose, fructose, sucrose, or sorbitol; also known as carbohydrate malabsorption. The most prevalent kind is lactose intolerance.
  • Overgrowth of small intestinal bacteria (SIBO). This occurs when beneficial microorganisms that inhabit in your colon have travelled into your small intestine.

Both of these disorders need to be considered as potential contributing factors in the diagnosis process of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
 

A Hydrogen Breath Test may be recommended for individuals who are experiencing symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal disorders related to carbohydrate malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Common indications for a Hydrogen Breath Test include:

  • Lactose Intolerance: People who have symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort after consuming dairy products may undergo this test to confirm lactose intolerance.
  • Fructose Malabsorption: Individuals who experience similar symptoms after consuming fruits, vegetables, or other foods high in fructose may be tested to diagnose fructose malabsorption.
  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Symptoms of SIBO include bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. A Hydrogen Breath Test can help diagnose this condition by detecting bacterial fermentation in the small intestine.
  • Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms: If someone has chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms without a clear diagnosis, a Hydrogen Breath Test may be used to investigate possible underlying causes related to carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
  • Your doctor may provide specific dietary instructions, such as avoiding certain foods or beverages that could affect the test results. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate readings. 
  • You might be asked by your doctor to fast for eight hours before the test. 
  • Your doctor may advise minimising or avoiding intense exercise. Physical activity on the day of the test can change digestion and gas production, which could affect the results.
  • Make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications you take now and any additional conditions you could have. Certain medications and diets may affect the results of tests. 
  • Smoking may impact exam outcomes as well. If you smoke, consider quitting before the test to ensure accurate diagnostic outcomes.
     
  • Before the test, you may be instructed to follow specific dietary restrictions, such as avoiding certain foods and beverages that could affect the results. This preparation helps ensure accurate readings during the test.
  • Initially, a baseline breath sample is collected to measure your natural levels of hydrogen and methane gases.
  • You will then ingest a specific amount of a carbohydrate substrate, such as lactose or glucose, which is known to cause symptoms in individuals with certain conditions like lactose intolerance or SIBO.
  • Over the next few hours, typically every 15 to 30 minutes, breath samples are collected into specialized bags or tubes. These samples are analyzed to measure hydrogen and methane levels.
  • During the test, you may be monitored for any symptoms such as bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort that could indicate a reaction to the substrate.
  • After all samples are collected, the levels of hydrogen and methane in each breath sample are analyzed. Elevated levels of these gases compared to baseline indicate malabsorption or bacterial fermentation in the small intestine.
     

Yes, on the morning of the test, take any necessary medications with sips of water, such as those for your heart, blood pressure, breathing, or seizures. For two to three days before the test, you should refrain from taking any non-essential medications, such as over-the-counter medications, as they may have an impact on the test results.
 

The parts per million (ppm) of hydrogen in your breath are the units of measurement. After you consume the sugar solution, your doctor will measure the changes in hydrogen in your breath. After consuming the solution, if the quantity of hydrogen in your breath rises by more than 20 parts per million, you could have either SIBO or a sugar intolerance, depending on your symptoms.
 

In general, the hydrogen breath test is safe. The process is non-invasive. Complications are infrequent, and the only little discomfort is associated to fasting and substrate consumption. To guarantee patient safety, healthcare professionals keep a careful eye on patients during the exam. 

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