A hydrogen breath test is performed to prove or to exclude a dysfunctional absorption of sugars (intolerance). This intolerance correlates with a low concentration of a particular enzyme, which is necessary for the digestion of sugars. If the lactose / fructose has not digested, certain bacteria use these sugars for their metabolism. This produces a residual product: hydrogen (H2). The amount of hydrogen can be measured in the exhaled breath. If the amount of hydrogen rises significantly after you have drunk lactose / fructose, this shows an intolerance.
The examination consists in taking a breath sample each half hour (exhale in a tube). The test is not painful and lasts about 4 hours.
How to prepare yourself for this test?
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The day before the examination:
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Avoid food with a lot of fibres (brown bread, bran, pasta, chocolate, spicy sauces, muesli, fruit and vegetables) and candy (such as chewing gum)
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Do not take food or beverage in the 12 hours before the test (water is allowed) → fasting from 8 PM (20:00) the previous evening
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The morning of the examination:
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Be on time at our center
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Do not smoke before and during the test (as from midnight)
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No strenuous exercise before or during the test
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Do not eat food nor sweets before or during the test
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Do not sleep during the test
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If you recently had diarrhea or if you have taken antibiotics in the week prior to the test, please inform us before undergoing the test. This may be a reason for postponing the test.
During the test, you can wait in the waiting room. Please bring some reading material.