Hydrogen Breath Test

This test was ordered after the results of the stool lab work came back. This test is done to check for a small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Once again this test requires to be fasting for 12 hours. When I arrive at the hospital, I am required to drink a sugary water substance (again). If I understood correctly, if there is a bacteria present in the small intestine, the bacteria will interact with the sugar and release a gas. They can measure the gas that is released.

The way the gas is measured is the crazy part. They give you a bag that you breathe into until the bag is filled. Once the bag is full, they use a syringe to suck up the air and then plug it into a machine which then measures the gasses. The whole test took about 45 minutes and once again, everything comes back normal.

Also at this point in time, I have started a new medication called Welchol. This medicine is used to treat bile salt diarrhea. Dr. Frech wants to try this as a trial to see if it can relieve my symptoms of diarrhea. We will evaluate at my next appointment to see if it is helping. 

Machine that measures the gasses