Hydrogen breath test

The Hydrogen Breath Test is a medical procedure used to diagnose several conditions related to the digestive system. It measures the amount of hydrogen in a person's breath, which can indicate problems such as lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Procedure

The Hydrogen Breath Test begins with the patient fasting for at least 12 hours. The patient then blows into a bag to provide a baseline breath sample. After this, the patient consumes a solution containing a known amount of lactose, fructose, or glucose. Breath samples are then collected at regular intervals, typically every 15 to 30 minutes, for a few hours.

Interpretation

The breath samples are analyzed for hydrogen content. A significant increase in breath hydrogen may indicate that the patient is unable to properly digest the sugar in the solution, suggesting a diagnosis of lactose or fructose intolerance. Alternatively, an early increase in breath hydrogen may suggest bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Risks and Complications

The Hydrogen Breath Test is generally safe, with few risks or complications. Some patients may experience bloating, diarrhea, or other symptoms of indigestion during the test.

See Also

• Lactose intolerance
• Fructose intolerance
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

References

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• American College of Gastroenterology