Hydrogen Breath Test
Hydrogen Breath Test
The hydrogen breath test is a diagnostic test used to assess various conditions related to the digestion of certain carbohydrates in the gastrointestinal tract. It is a non-invasive procedure that helps healthcare providers identify conditions such as lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Hydrogen Breath Test
A hydrogen breath test (HBT) is used as a diagnostic tool for small bacterial overgrowth and carbohydrate malabsorption, such as lactose, fructose, and sorbitol malabsorption. The test is simple, non-invasive, and is performed after a short period of fasting (typically 8–12 hours) Hydrogen breath tests are based on the fact that there is no source hydrogen gas in humans other than bacterial metabolism of carbohydrates. Even though the test is normally known as a “hydrogen” breath test, some physicians may also test for methane in addition to hydrogen. Many studies have shown that some patients (approximately 35% or more) do not produce hydrogen but actually produce methane. Some patients produce a combination of the two gases.
The hydrogen breath test is commonly used to diagnose the following conditions:
- Lactose Intolerance: A condition in which the body is unable to properly digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.
- Fructose Malabsorption: A condition in which the body has difficulty absorbing fructose, a sugar found in many fruits and sweeteners.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to fermentation of carbohydrates and increased hydrogen production
The test is considered safe and relatively non-invasive. It provides valuable information about an individual’s ability to digest certain carbohydrates and can help guide dietary recommendations and treatment plans. The interpretation of the test results should be done by a qualified healthcare provider, often a gastroenterologist or a medical professional specializing in gastrointestinal disorders.