This diagnostic evaluation measures the quantity of hydrogen in exhaled breath after ingesting a selected sugar answer. Elevated ranges point out the malabsorption of that sugar, offering insights into potential digestive points. For instance, a excessive studying after consuming lactulose might recommend lactose intolerance, whereas an identical final result after glucose ingestion would possibly level to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Evaluating exhaled hydrogen offers a non-invasive solution to assess carbohydrate metabolism and pinpoint the underlying causes of varied gastrointestinal signs, equivalent to bloating, stomach ache, and diarrhea. This methodology provides a helpful different to extra invasive procedures. Traditionally, diagnosing these situations relied on much less exact strategies, making this strategy a major development in gastroenterology.