Hydrogen breath test for SIBO and irritable bowel syndrome

The hydrogen breath test shows the bacterial fermentation of unabsorbed intestinal carbohydrates. Malabsorption of carbohydrates is a key trigger of irritable bowel syndrome type symptoms such as diarrhea and/or constipation, bloating, excess flatulence, headaches and lack of energy.  When bacteria is present in the small intestine this bacteria will metabolize the carbohydrates producing the IBS like symptoms.  The authors of this research believe that patients with persistent symptoms of abdominal bloating and distension despite dietary intervention should take a hydrogen breath test to determine if they have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).  A proper diagnosis of SIBO can lead to effective treatment of the condition and relief of the IBS symptoms.

Ref: World J. Gastroenterol. 2014 Jun 28

See abstract at – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24976698