Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test

Your Doctor has arranged this test to evaluate for bacterial overgrowth, in your small bowel intestine.

WHAT OCCURS DURING THE EXAMINATION?

You will be asked to report to the office. You will blow into an instrument and your breath will be analyzed for hydrogen gas. Then, you will be asked to drink a cup of lactulose dissolved in water. Then breath test results will be obtained every 15 minutes for an hour and a half.

ARE THERE ANY POSSIBLY SYMPTOMS?

If breath test reacts to solutions, symptoms may be bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and gas. If there is no reaction it will pass through the digestive tract into the colon.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE

Diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort may occur. It may last 24 to 48 hours.