As many sufferers know, gut health symptoms include bloating, cramps, flatulence and diarrhea. Yet the problem for many lies in confirming a specific diagnosis, leaving sufferers unable to make an appropriate and informed change to their diet and lifestyle that would help to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.
There are currently a wide range of diagnostic gut health breath tests used by gastrointestinal consultants, including blood tests, stool samples, imaging and endoscopic procedures, these procedures can require a large amount of preparation, are invasive, and expensive.
What is a Gut Health Breath Test?
Gut health breath tests are one of the diagnostic tools available, including a test that detects hydrogen and methane, also known as a Hydrogen Methane Breath Test (HMBT). This allows patients to have a completely non-invasive diagnosis that does not leave them in pain or uncomfortable.
How does a gut health breath test work?
Within our guts, bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane when digesting sugars. These gases are then transferred into the bloodstream and transported to the lungs, before being exhaled via breath. However, sometimes there can be too much bacteria in our small intestine, leading to an elevated level of hydrogen being detected in the breath, this is known as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). High methane levels indicate intestinal methanogen overgrowth IMO (formerly known as methane SIBO).
THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Methane is not used within a SIBO diagnosis but its presence in the breath can indicate an imbalance of bacteria in the gut microbiome. Breath methane is found in 30-50% of the healthy adult population and high levels can be accompanied by symptoms such as constipation and bloating, as well as obesity and reduced weight-loss following bariatric surgery. When checking your gut health with the breath test and the results indicate an elevated level of methane, the referring healthcare professional will recommend treatment options such as antibiotics, pre and probiotics and a low Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) diet.
How to test with OMED Health
Accessing the next generation of gut health diagnostics is streamlined through your healthcare provider. The OMED Health Breath Analyser is a portable, medical-grade device designed to assist clinicians in the accurate detection and differentiation of Hydrogen (H2) and Methane (CH4) dominant overgrowths (SIBO and IMO). Upon completion of the SIBO test, an OMED Health Doctor will provide you with a clinical diagnosis.
Ready to get started?
Speak with your healthcare professional to request an OMED Health SIBO test, or find an OMED approved practitioner in your area today.
Gastrointestinal disorders affect 20% of the world population. If you’re suffering, it’s important to reach out to your doctor for advice. Get tested to rule out common causes and get relief from symptoms with OMED Health.
