Hydrogen Breath Testing

Hydrogen breath testing is a non-invasive diagnostic test used to detect certain gastrointestinal conditions, primarily involving the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. It measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath after consuming a specific sugar solution such as lactose, fructose, or glucose.

The hydrogen breath test can diagnose fructose & lactose malabsorption, and can also be used to diagnose small bowel bacterial over growth.

Do you suffer from symptoms such as abdominal bloating, flatulence (wind), reflux, diarrhoea and /or constipation? These issues may be due to your digestive system not completely digesting and/or absorbing all carbohydrates (sugars) from your diet. When carbohydrates are not absorbed, they continue through the digestive tract to the large bowel (colon). The bacteria that live in the colon ferment the carbs releasing gases. These gases build up and can cause bloating, wind and changes in bowel habit. The gas that is produced in the large bowel can diffuse across the bowel wall and into your blood stream into your breath as you breath out.

Common conditions diagnosed with hydrogen breath testing include:

• Lactose intolerance – inability to digest lactose.
• Fructose malabsorption – poor absorption of fructose.
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – an excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can ferment sugars prematurely.

• We cannot perform breath testing if you have had any antibiotics in the 4 weeks OR probiotics in the 2 weeks before your breath test.
• We will give you a dietary sheet to follow the day prior to your testing and you will be asked to finish eating by 8pm that evening.
• On the morning of your test you will remain nil by mouth and attend your early morning appointment at the clinic.
• You will be able to drive yourself and go back to work after, if you wish to do so.
• In between tests your diet can go back to your usual.

Day of the test

Each test (lactulose, fructose & lactose) will be performed on a separate day and can take between 2-4 hours. All the test solutions taste sweet. The time varies between person to person as it depends on the rate of malabsorption. Malabsorption tends to mean that gases are released or that gases are released faster in people with abnormal metabolism.

1. On arrival at the clinic a baseline breath sample into a hydrogen breathalyser device is taken.
2. The patient then drinks a sugar solution.
3. Additional breath samples are collected at regular intervals (typically every 15 minutes) for up to 2–3 hours.
4. The levels of hydrogen is measured and graphed to detect abnormal gas production.

What happens after the test?

Once you have completed the tests you will have a follow up appointment with your specialist to discuss and review the results. They will interpret the results of your test and diagnose whether or not you have small bowel bacterial overgrowth, fructose or lactose malabsorption.

Once you have seen your specialist and they have discussed the results, you will most likely be referred to a dietitian. Your dietary needs are as individual as you, therefore the dietician will discuss with you what you are currently eating, and any diets you have tried in the past, to help you apply the best diet for your lifestyle and health needs.

Hydrogen breath testing is safe, simple, and widely used to help guide dietary and medical management of various gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

You may experience some short-lasting effects from the testing liquids ingested such as bloating, diarrhoea or nausea, abdominal discomfort. These will generally pass within a 24-hour window.

To help you prepare for your procedure a copy of key information is provided here for you to download and print.

• We advise you to apply to your insurance company for prior approval before your admission.
• Bring your health insurance prior approval letter to your appointment.
• With the exception of Southern Cross, once your account has been finalised, we will forward your invoice to your insurance company.
• If you do not have medical insurance or prior approval from your medical insurance, we will advise you of total cost of your procedure and full payment will be required on the day of your testing.