Tests & Procedures
Breath Tests
Tests & Procedures
Breath Tests
Breath tests can give useful information about several digestive complaints. There are 2 main types that may be ordered – a urea breath test to check for Helicobacter pylori infection, and a hydrogen breath test to check for SIBO and for lactose and fructose intolerance. Breath tests require no surgery, anesthesia, or sedation and you can resume normal activities straight after leaving the clinic.
Urea breath test
This quick test is often ordered either to look for Helicobacter pylori infection or to make sure that a course of treatment for Helicobacter pylori was successful in getting rid of the bacteria. During the test, you will drink a slightly bitter liquid and then blow into a balloon several minutes later. The test can give false results if you have been taking antibiotics or certain acid-suppressing medication in the weeks prior to the test.
Hydrogen breath tests
Hydrogen breath tests analyze gasses present in the breath to diagnose lactose and fructose intolerance and SIBO. You will need a separate test (on a different day) for each condition tested. The test begins with an initial breath sample. You will then be given a drink containing sugar and asked to give repeat breath samples every 15-20 minutes over 2-3 hours. They are painless, non-invasive tests, but do take considerable time to complete. Many patients like to bring a book, laptop, or tablet to keep them occupied during the procedure. To gain an accurate test, you will need to avoid certain medications including antibiotics for up to four weeks beforehand and follow a special diet before the test – the nursing team and Dr Neil will be able to give you detailed advice regarding this.
Get your breath test reports to Dr Neil for expert advice and analysis.