Hydrogen Breath Test - Fructose Intolerance in Wroclaw

Professional hydrogen breath test for fructose intolerance in Wroclaw.

Before performing the test, SIBO and IMO should be excluded by conducting a hydrogen-methane breath test with lactulose load.
The hydrogen breath test with fructose load is an easy and non-invasive examination that allows the detection of hydrogen concentration in exhaled air. Under physiological conditions, the content of this gas in the small intestine is minimal. Its increase allows for the detection of fructose intolerance. The syndrome of poor fructose absorption is caused by a lack or deficiency of the protein responsible for
transport through cell membranes. Unabsorbed fructose leads to an increase in the osmolality of the content of the small intestine, which in turn causes the influx of water from the intercellular space.

Hydrogen Breath Test - Fructose Intolerance in Wroclaw

How are tests conducted at our facility in Wrocław?

The patient inhales air and exhales into a special bag, which is then handed over to the staff for analysis using the QuinTron Breathtracker SC device. Next, the patient consumes 25g of fructose dissolved in 250ml of water. Excess fructose is not absorbed in the small intestine and moves down the digestive system, where 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. The patient repeats the breathing procedure every 15 minutes for a total of 120 minutes. The hydrogen concentration in the first sample should not exceed 10 ppm. An increase above 20 ppm compared to the baseline sample indicates fructose intolerance.

What are the indications for conducting breath tests?

Indications for the test may include excessive bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loose stools, fatty stools, reflux, heartburn, feeling of overflow, upper abdominal fullness, and indigestion. Symptoms may worsen especially after consuming products such as fruits, juices, honey, sweets, jams, and sweetened beverages. Rich sources of fructans include leeks, onions, garlic, asparagus, and chicory. It is estimated that fructose intolerance affects over 25% of adult Poles.

What are the contraindications for hydrogen breath tests?

Absolute contraindications include hereditary fructose intolerance and reactive hypoglycemia.

Is a referral needed for the test?

The test does not require a doctor’s referral.

What is the preparation for the test?

Carefully read the preparation procedure for the test. This is very important, as improper preparation can affect 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 Breath Test - Fructose Intolerance in Wroclaw