This is a test that makes it possible to determine whether the body digests and absorbs carbohydrates properly.
The aim of the test is to measure the level of hydrogen in exhaled air after the patient has consumed carbohydrates ( sugars ). Hydrogen is a gas produced by bacterial fermentation of undigested and unabsorbed carbohydrates in the small or large intestine. It then passes into the bloodstream and the pulmonary alveoli, from where it is expelled through the respiratory tract. Excessive bacterial fermentation often occurs in the course of certain diseases of the digestive system.
INDICATIONS FOR THE TEST:
- Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism
- Malabsorption of lactose, fructose, sucrose, glucose
- Diagnosis of food intolerances ( fruit, sweets, milk, highly processed products )
- Suspected irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS )
- Diagnosis of abdominal fullness, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea ( lasting at least 3 months )
- Suspected small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( SIBO )
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO THE HYDROGEN BREATH TEST (WTO)
Absolute:
- Diagnosed or suspected hereditary fructose intolerance ( contraindication for the WTO with fructose and sorbitol )
- Diagnosed or suspected ( postprandial ) hypoglycaemia
Relative:
- Antibiotic therapy ( within 4 weeks before the test )
- Colonoscopy and radiography ( within 4 weeks before the test )
- Barium enema ( within 4 weeks before the test )
- Small bowel fluoroscopy ( within 4 weeks before the test )
- Ileostomy ( except for the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth – SIBO )