A Woman cradling her abdomen in her hands Breath testing
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Why is breath testing performed?

Your doctor may recommend you have breath testing for food intolerances if you have any of the following problems:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Malnutrition
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine. Intestinal surgery or certain diseases can slow the passage of food and waste products in the digestive tract, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The excess bacteria can cause diarrhoea, weight loss and malnutrition. Read More
What is the preparation for breath testing?

Before each test you must eat a low fermentable diet for 24 hours and have nothing to eat from midnight before the test. You will receive specific written information from the Cambridge Specialist Centre prior to testing.

What happens on the day of your breath testing?

After arrival at the Cambridge Specialist Centre you will meet our testing staff who will explain the test in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.

Breath hydrogen (or methane) will be measured on a small device. You will then drink a small drink of lactulose or glucose. Breath testing is repeated every 15 minutes until a test is clearly positive or for a maximum of 3 hours. Any symptoms you experience during that time will also be recorded by the testing staff.

What happens after breath testing has completed?

You will be able to return to your normal activities and diet after the testing has finished. The information gathered will be interpreted by Dr Melissa Haines, who are gastroenterologists with specific training in the interpretation of diagnostic breath test results. Your doctor will inform you of the test results and prescribe antibiotic treatment for a positive test result.

Please note that there may be a delay of up to a week to obtain results from methane gas testing as the sealed bags of gas are sent to Auckland for analysis.

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