Private Hydrogen Breath Test for SIBO

Our breath tests are for anyone who experiences possible symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and finds that at-home management has not helped. Breath tests can also be used to identify carbohydrate malabsorption. 

What is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria which are normally present in the colon have moved into the small bowel. This is where glucose is usually absorbed, but if bacteria have increased in that area, they will break down the glucose drink we give you and produce hydrogen.

Bacterial overgrowth usually occurs because of abnormal movement of the gut. It’s most common in patients with illnesses which directly or indirectly affect the gut and less common in patients with no underlying illness or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Possible symptoms of SIBO include: 

• loss of appetite

• diarrhoea

• weight loss

• stomach pain

• nausea

• bloating

• indigestion

• constipation

• abdominal swelling

• flatulence (wind)

• feeling uncomfortably full after eating

• malnutrition (in severe cases)

What is carbohydrate malabsorption?

Carbohydrates (sugars) such as lactose (dairy sugar) and fructose (fruit sugar) are usually absorbed in the small bowel. If some of the sugar is not absorbed and reaches the large bowel, this is referred to as malabsorption. If sugar reaches the large bowel, the gut bacteria which live there break it down and produce gases such as methane and hydrogen, which we can measure using a breath test. Malabsorption of lactose or fructose can lead to symptoms such as cramping, bloating and diarrhoea, and this is called lactose or fructose intolerance.

Symptoms of intolerance can vary depending on the person and the amount of sugar they’ve eaten. An intolerance is not an allergy, and for most people, treatment involves being aware of the problem and lowering the intake of these sugars rather than complete avoidance.

If you have symptoms such as those listed above, or feel you may need a breath test, please contact our team to organise a consultation with a consultant gastroenterologist who can discuss and advise on the appropriate investigations for you.

1. Baseline reading: The first step of the test is to provide a fasting sample by holding your breath and then breathing out into a mouthpiece attached to a specialist device that measures the gases in your sample. This records the baseline levels of hydrogen and methane in your breath so that the results of further test samples can be compared.

2. Sugar solution: Once the fasting sample has been collected, you’ll drink a sugar solution (glucose, lactulose, lactose, or fructose).

3. Periodic tracking: You’ll then provide multiple breath samples at approximately 15-minute intervals, over the course of 90 to 180 minutes (depending upon which test you are undertaking). You may be asked to record any symptoms over this time.

The test is simple and non-invasive, but it is time-consuming, so if coming to a centre for the test, we recommend you bring something with you to read. You can also access our Wi-Fi network in our waiting areas if you wish. If performing the test at home, you will need to stay close to the device and limit your physical movements. You then return the device to us by post.

A hydrogen breath test is safe and non-invasive. However, some people may experience temporary digestive symptoms after drinking the test solution, such as bloating, abdominal cramps, wind, nausea, or diarrhoea.

These symptoms are usually mild and should settle after the test. You can normally return to your usual activities straight away, unless your specialist advises otherwise.

Some preparation is required ahead of taking a hydrogen breath test to ensure the results are as accurate as possible. You’ll be given full details by your specialist, but all patients must:

• antibiotics: stop taking antibiotics 1 month before your test, unless your specialist advises otherwise

• probiotics: stop taking probiotic supplements 1 month before your test

• diet: follow a low-fibre diet the day before your test. This usually means avoiding foods such as beans, lentils, wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds

• fasting: fast for at least 12 hours before your test. This means not eating or drinking anything except small sips of water

• laxatives and bowel medicines: avoid taking laxatives, stool softeners or bowel-cleansing medicines before your test, as advised by your specialist

• smoking and vaping: do not smoke or vape before or during your test, as this may affect your results

• chewing gum and mints: avoid chewing gum, mints and sweets before or during your test

• exercise: avoid strenuous exercise before and during your test, as this can affect the breath samples

• usual medicines: continue taking your regular medicines unless your specialist tells you to stop them. If you are unsure, check before your test

Your specialist will discuss any medicines you are currently taking and confirm whether you need to stop them before your hydrogen breath test.

The test is straightforward and non-invasive, so you can go home as soon as it has been completed, and you can eat and drink normally straight after.

Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our digestive health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient. We have state-of-the-art facilities enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

At Welbeck, your safety and comfort are our priority, and we take every step to make the testing experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.