What is the H Breath Test?
The hydrogen/methane breath test is a non-invasive way to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders that are caused by carbohydrate malabsorption. It involves collecting breath samples over a period of time and analyzing the levels of hydrogen and methane gases in the breath. Until recently, these tests could only be performed in a medical facility, but now thanks to QuinTron Breath Testing, you can purchase hydrogen/methane breath test kits to collect breath samples at home/'>home.
How does it work?
During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into sugars that the body can absorb and use for energy. However, if the digestive enzymes responsible for breaking down carbohydrates are not working properly, undigested carbohydrates can pass into the colon where they are fermented by bacteria. This fermentation process produces hydrogen and methane gases which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs.
By measuring the levels of these gases in your breath over a period of time, the H Breath Test can determine the rate of fermentation in your colon and identify which types of carbohydrates are causing the problem.
What conditions can the H Breath Test diagnose?
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase which is needed to break down lactose. When lactose reaches the colon, it is fermented by bacteria producing hydrogen and methane gases. The H Breath Test can diagnose lactose intolerance by measuring the levels of these gases in your breath after you consume a lactose solution.
Fructose Intolerance
Fructose is a sugar found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables. It’s also commonly used as a sweetener in processed foods. Some people are unable to absorb fructose properly due to a lack of the enzyme needed to break it down. When fructose reaches the colon, it is fermented by bacteria producing hydrogen and methane gases. The H Breath Test can diagnose fructose intolerance by measuring the levels of these gases in your breath after you consume a fructose solution.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Normally, the small intestine contains a low number of bacteria as most of them are killed by stomach acid before they reach the small intestine. However, if the migrating motor complex (MMC), a series of contractions that sweep food and bacteria through the small intestine, is impaired, bacteria can accumulate and overgrow. The bacteria ferment carbohydrates producing hydrogen and methane gases which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs. The H Breath Test can diagnose SIBO by measuring the levels of these gases in your breath after you consume a carbohydrate solution.
Conclusion
The H Breath Test is a quick, non-invasive way to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders related to carbohydrate malabsorption. These disorders include lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). With QuinTron Breath Testing’s hydrogen/methane breath test kits, it’s easy to collect breath samples at home and get the answers you need to finally get relief from your gastrointestinal discomfort. Don’t suffer in silence, take the first step towards a diagnosis today by ordering your H Breath Test kit.