🌬️ Hydrogen Breath Test

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is a hydrogen breath test?

🌬️ A hydrogen breath test is a simple test that checks your breath to see how food is digested in your gut.

Some bacteria make hydrogen or methane gas when they digest sugar. These gases travel to your lungs and come out when you breathe out.

❓ Why do doctors order this test?

🩺 This test helps find:

• 🦠 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

• 🧪 Methanogenic Bacterial Overgrowth (IMO)

Both can cause belly problems.

❓ What is SIBO?

🦠 SIBO means too many bacteria in the small intestine.

Symptoms may include:

• 🤕 Belly pain

• 💨 Gas and bloating

• 💩 Diarrhea

• 😴 Feeling tired

People with SIBO often have high hydrogen gas on the test.

❓ What is IMO?

🧪 IMO means methane-making germs in the gut.

Symptoms may include:

• 💩 Constipation

• 🤕 Belly pain

• 💨 Bloating

People with IMO often have high methane gas on the test.

❓ How do I prepare for the test?

📋 Your doctor will give instructions. Common steps include:

• 🚫 No antibiotics for a few weeks before

• 🚫 No laxatives or probiotics for a few days

• 🍽️ Follow a special diet the day before

• 🚫 No eating or drinking (except water) before the test

❓ What happens during the test?

⏱️ The test takes about 2–3 hours.

• 🌬️ You breathe into a small bag or tube

• 🥤 You drink a sugar liquid

• 🌬️ You breathe into the bag every 15–20 minutes

The test measures hydrogen and methane gas in your breath.

❓ Does the test hurt?

👍 No. The test is safe and painless.

You may feel:

• 💨 Gas or bloating

• 🤕 Mild belly discomfort

❓ What do the results mean?

📊 Your doctor will review the gas levels:

• 🔺 High hydrogen → suggests SIBO

• 🔺 High methane → suggests IMO

These results help guide treatment.

❓ How are SIBO and IMO treated?

Treatment may include:

• 💊 Antibiotics

• 🥗 Special diets

• 🧘 Treating the cause of slow digestion

Your doctor will create a plan just for you.

❓ When should I call my doctor?

📞 Call if you have:

• Severe belly pain

• Vomiting

• Trouble completing the test

• Questions about preparation

🩺 Key Messages

✅ The hydrogen breath test is safe and easy
✅ It helps find causes of bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation
✅ Results guide treatment for SIBO and IMO