Breath Testing

Breath Testing (SIBO, Fructose & Lactose)

• SIBO (hydrogen and methane gases)
• Fructose intolerance
• Lactose intolerance

• You drink a prepared sugar solution (lactose, fructose, or glucose depending on test type)
• You breathe into a collection device at timed intervals
• The test measures hydrogen and methane gas levels

• No
• Completely non-invasive
• Performed in-office
• No needles or sedation required

• No sedation is used
• You remain fully awake and comfortable
• You can leave immediately after the test

• Approximately 2–3 hours
• You remain in the office during testing

Do I Need Preparation? (Breath Test Prep – SIBO)

• Follow a special breath test prep (SIBO) diet the day before testing
• Fast overnight before the test (no food or drink except water unless instructed otherwise)
• Avoid certain antibiotics or medications if instructed by your provider
• Do not smoke, exercise, or chew gum before or during the test

• No
• The test is painless
• You may feel mild bloating depending on your condition

• Yes
• You may drive yourself to and from the appointment
• No recovery time is needed

• Extremely safe
• No radiation or invasive instruments
• No known significant complications
• Mild bloating or gas may occur temporarily during testing

What Is the Complication Rate?

• Breath testing has an extremely low complication risk
• Serious complications are essentially not associated with this procedure
• It is considered one of the safest GI diagnostic tests available

Is It Covered by Insurance?

• Coverage depends on your insurance plan and medical necessity
• Most insurance plans cover medically indicated breath testing (SIBO, lactose, fructose)
• Out-of-pocket costs vary by plan
• Our office can verify coverage at the time of scheduling

Why Experience Matters

• GI motility disorders
• Functional bowel disease (IBS, bloating, constipation)
• Hydrogen and methane gas patterns

• More accurate interpretation of results
• Identification of overlapping conditions
• Better-targeted treatment plans

• Antibiotic therapy for SIBO
• Dietary modification
• Treatment of underlying motility disorders
• Further diagnostic evaluation if needed

What Is SIBO?

• Bloating
• Gas
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal distention
• Malabsorption (fatigue, weight loss in severe cases)

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Diabetes
• Celiac disease
• IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Motility disorders (slow or abnormal gut movement)
• Prior GI surgery

Why Does SIBO Happen?

• Slow gut motility
• Structural abnormalities
• Chronic illness
• Certain medications

Understanding the Difference: SIBO vs Fructose vs Lactose Breath Testing

Key Differences

• Too many bacteria in the small intestine
• Bacteria ferment food too early in digestion
• Produces excess hydrogen and/or methane gas

• Bloating and abdominal distention
• Gas and discomfort
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Food intolerance and malabsorption

• Difficulty absorbing fructose (fruit sugar)
• Undigested fructose is fermented by gut bacteria
• Gas production occurs in the intestines

• Gas after fruit or sweet foods
• Bloating
• Cramping or abdominal discomfort
• Loose stools in some patients

• Inability to properly digest lactose (milk sugar)
• Caused by low lactase enzyme activity
• Lactose ferments in the gut producing gas

• Bloating after dairy products
• Gas and cramping
• Diarrhea after milk or ice cream
• Symptoms usually occur 30 minutes to 2 hours after dairy intake