Breath testing is done to diagnose a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. Breath testing is easy, non-invasive, and is usually done after a short period of fasting. We use breath testing to detect the following conditions and diseases:
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (lactulose hydrogen breath test)
- Lactose intolerance
- Fructose intolerance
- Helicobacter pylori bacteria (urea test)
Lactulose Breath Test in Thousand Oaks
The lactulose hydrogen breath test is done to determine if a large amount of bacteria is growing in the small intestines. When this occurs, it affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This test is done by breathing into a small machine, then drinking a small solution of lactulose. Sometimes, this solution may cause diarrhea or abdominal pain. After 90 minutes when the solution is absorbed, you will be asked to breathe into the machine again. Then, after another 30 minutes, you will need to breathe once more.
Lactose Breath Test in Thousand Oaks
The lactose breath test is done to determine if a patient is lactose intolerant, which is the inability to digest lactose (the sugar found in milk). Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include, cramping, bloating, gas, or diarrhea after dairy has been consumed. This test is done by drinking a lactose-containing beverage, which may cause cramping, bloating, gas, or diarrhea. After 15 minutes has passed, you will blow into balloon-like bags every 15 minutes for two hours. The air you breathe into the bags will then be tested for levels of hydrogen. If elevated levels of hydrogen are found, then it is indicative of an improper digestion of lactose, resulting in a lactose intolerance.
Fructose Breath Test in Thousand Oaks
The fructose breath test is done to determine the presence of a fructose malabsorption, which leads to bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Bloating, cramping, and diarrhea may occur when eating too much fruit or non-diet soda if you have a fructose intolerance. This test is done by drinking a can of regular Coca-Cola three hours before going to your appointment. At your appointment, you will be asked to blow into the instrument and your breath will be examined for hydrogen gas. Your breath test results will be examined every 30 minutes for three hours.
Helicobacter Pylori Test in Thousand Oaks
The helicobacter pylori test is done to detect bacteria called helicobacter pylori, also referred to as H. Pylori. H. pylori can be found in the stomach or small intestine, and can cause gastrointestinal diseases. H. pylori can also cause an increase in the risk of gastric cancer. This test is done by breathing into a breath collection bag and drinking a solution of Pranactin-Citric. If you are allergic to the protein phenylalanine, then notify your doctor, as the solution contains this. After 15 minutes, you will be asked to breathe into the second breath collection bag. You will receive your results within 24 to 72 hours after taking this test.