Exhaled breath testing

Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium which lives in the stomach. It can be a cause of gastric or peptic ulcers or, in rarer cases, stomach cancer.

H. pylori produces an enzyme which, when combined with a test substance you swallow, produces a quite specific sample of carbon in your breath. The bacterium are then swiftly identified, with no requirement for internal samples. In addition, lactose, or fructose intolerance can both can be traced using breath tests. These common dietary issues can arise after illnesses such as gastroenteritis or colitis.

Following a control test on your breath, you’ll be asked to swallow a sugar solution. You’ll then be tested again at brief intervals, primarily hydrogen analysis, to establish your reaction to the additional sugars.

A third well-established test is for the small intestine. Although normally bacteria-free, the small intestine can become colonised by bacteria from other areas of the gut, which can cause bloating and/or diarrhoea.

Again, your reaction to a harmless substance (usually lactulose) can be analysed through your breath, and this allows us to identify any bacterial infection. Once your diagnosis is complete, treatment is, typically, quick and effective.

A range of digestive symptoms can arise from your reaction to sugars, or unwanted bacteria. The production of excessive gas internally that this can cause can lead to bloat, abdominal cramps, nausea, or physical weakness.

A gastroenterologist by nature deals with areas which cannot easily be seen, so any advances that allow issues to be detected non-invasively are welcome.
That’s why we continue to keep abreast of all major and reliable developments. By doing so, we’re able to offer you the very best care while keeping you as comfortable as possible.