Hydrogen-methane breath test for SIBO and IMO in Wroclaw.

This is an easy and non-invasive examination that allows for the detection of
hydrogen and methane levels in exhaled air.

Under physiological conditions, the presence of these gases in the small intestine is negligible.

An increase in gas during the test allows for the detection of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Intestinal Microbial Overgrowth (IMO), which is an overgrowth of bacteria and/or archaea in the small intestine.

Hydrogen-methane breath test for SIBO and IMO in Wroclaw.

How are tests conducted at our facility in Wrocław?

The patient inhales air into their lungs and exhales into a special bag, and then the staff examines the sample in the QuinTron Breathtracker SC machine. Then, they consume 10 grams of lactulose solution, which is a synthetic disaccharide composed of galactose and fructose that is not absorbed in the small intestine and undergoes fermentation by gut bacteria. Lactulose moves down the digestive system, and bacteria break it down into short- chain fatty acids, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Hydrogen dissolves in the blood and
is transported to the lungs, where its presence in exhaled air can be examined. Hydrogen can be used by archaea to produce methane. The patient repeats the air exhaling procedure every 20 minutes for 3 hours. If there is an elevated increase in hydrogen and/or methane in the appropriate segment of the small intestine, it may indicate bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO) and/or archaeon overgrowth (IMO).

What are the indications for conducting breath tests?

Indications for the test can include excessive bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loose stools, constipation, reflux, heartburn, unpleasant breath odor, feeling of overflow, fullness in the upper abdomen, headaches, and anemia. Symptoms may worsen especially after consuming products such as onions, garlic, leeks, cauliflower, and apples. After a longer period of illness, symptoms may worsen even after drinking a glass of water
on an empty stomach.

What are the contraindications for performing hydrogen-methane tests?

An absolute contraindication is hereditary fructose intolerance and postprandial hypoglycemia, also known as reactive hypoglycemia.

Is a referral for the test needed?

The test does not require a referral from a doctor.

What is the preparation for the test like?

Carefully read the preparation procedure for the test. This is very important, as incorrect preparation can disrupt the results and the test may need to be repeated at another time !!!

On the day of the examination:

– Wake up about an hour before the test,
– Be on an empty stomach,
– You can drink a glass of warm plain non-carbonated water, which supports
intestinal peristalsis,
– Brush your teeth with toothpaste without xylitol or just water,
– You can use an antiseptic mouthwash,
– If you wear dentures, do not use denture adhesive,
– Do not perform any physical exercises,
– Sit in one place, do not lie down, do not sleep,
– Do not chew gum, do not eat any food,
– Do not take any medication, you can take medicine after the examination.

14 hours before the examination:

-Do not consume any food, except for plain non-carbonated water,
– Do not smoke cigarettes,
– Do not chew gum.

1-2 days before the examination:

– If you have diarrhea or normal stools, follow a 1-1.5 day diet,
– If you have constipation, follow a 2-3 day diet,
– You can only consume non-fermentable foods such as:

1. meat, fish, seafood, eggs,
2. still water,
3. rice in small amounts,
4. fats (olive oil, oil, lactose-free butter),
5. spices only pepper, salt,

– Do not consume fermentable products such as:

1. grain products (bread, rolls, pasta, groats),
2. dairy products and milk with lactose, plant-based milk,
3. vegetables,
4. fruits,
5. juices and fruit preserves,
6. nuts, seeds,
7. legume seeds.

3 days before the examination:

– Do not consume stomach drops, betaine HCl, apple cider vinegar,
– Do not take laxatives, such as lactulose,
– Do not take digestive enzymes,
– Do not take supplements with fructose.

1 week before the examination:

– Do not take probiotics and prebiotics,
– Bactericidal herbs (e.g. oregano oil),
– Avoid using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists (e.g. pantoprazole, omeprazole) in consultation with your doctor,
– Do not take prokinetic agents (Prokit, Tribux),
– Do not take high doses of magnesium and vitamin C.

One month before the examination:

– do not use antibiotics (furazolidone, nifuroxazide, bismuth preparations, ciprofloxacin),
– do not undergo colonoscopy, fluoroscopy.

What could be an example menu for 1-2 days before the examination?

Breakfast: scrambled eggs with ham only in butter without vegetables and bread; hard-boiled eggs, soft-boiled eggs or fried eggs

Lunch: grilled chicken or fish, fried in olive oil, baked, stewed

Dinner: chicken or fish, etc .; eggs in any form

During the day, you can drink plain non-carbonated water, weak tea and coffee without sugar and milk.

Hydrogen-methane breath test for SIBO and IMO in Wroclaw.