LACTULOSE BREATH TEST for SIBO

LACTULOSE BREATH TEST: A TOOL FOR DETECTING SMALL INTESTINE BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH (SIBO)

Have you ever experienced persistent stomach discomfort, bloating, gas, or diarrhea? Have you received a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? These symptoms might be indicative of a common but often overlooked condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, disrupting the digestive process and causing unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, there's a diagnostic tool known as the Lactulose Breath Test that can help identify SIBO and guide effective treatment. In this article, we'll explore what SIBO is, how the Lactulose Breath Test works, and what to expect during the test.

WHAT IS SIBO?

SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It's a condition where an excessive amount of bacteria, which usually reside in the large intestine, migrate and multiply in the small intestine. The small intestine is meant for the absorption of nutrients from the food we eat, and when it becomes home to an overabundance of bacteria, it can lead to digestive problems.

The bacteria in the small intestine can ferment carbohydrates and produce gases, such as methane and hydrogen. These gases can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  1. Bloating: The excess gas can make your abdomen feel full and distended.

  2. Abdominal Pain: SIBO can lead to cramping and discomfort in the stomach area.

  3. Diarrhea: Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, are common.

  4. Constipation: Some people with SIBO may experience constipation instead of diarrhea.

  5. Nutritional Deficiencies: SIBO can interfere with the absorption of important nutrients, leading to malnutrition and other health issues.                     

WHAT CAUSES SIBO?

SIBO can be caused by various factors, including:

  1. Impaired Gut Motility: Stress, reduced neurological input to the gut and surgeries affecting the intestines can slow down the movement of food through the digestive system, allowing bacteria to accumulate.

  2. Low Stomach Acid: Stomach acid normally helps to kill bacteria that enter the small intestine. When stomach acid production is reduced, as in conditions like chronic acid reflux, it can contribute to SIBO.

  3. Anatomical Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the small intestine can promote bacterial overgrowth.

  4. Certain Medications: Prolonged use of medications that affect gut motility or reduce stomach acid can increase the risk of SIBO.

How Is the sibo breath test performed?

Preparation: Before the test, your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions to prepare. This typically involves following a special diet for a day or two before the test to reduce the presence of certain gases in your gut. You'll need to fast overnight before the test as well.

Lactulose Solution: You'll be given a lactulose solution to drink. Lactulose is a sugar that is not absorbed in the small intestine but is fermented by bacteria in the colon. When this solution reaches the small intestine, it triggers the overgrown bacteria to produce gases.

Collection of breath Samples: After consuming the lactulose solution, you'll be asked to blow into a special device or bag at regular intervals, usually every 20 minutes, for a few hours. These breath samples are collected to measure the levels of hydrogen and methane gases.

Analysis & Reporting: The collected breath samples are then analyzed to determine the concentration of hydrogen and methane gases. Elevated levels of these gases in your breath indicate the presence of SIBO.

INTERPRETING THE RESULTS

The results of the Lactulose Breath Test are typically interpreted as follows:

  • Hydrogen-Dominant SIBO:  Elevated levels of hydrogen in your breath suggest the presence of SIBO with predominantly hydrogen-producing bacteria.

  • Methane-Dominant SIBO: Elevated levels of methane in your breath indicate the presence of SIBO with predominantly methane-producing bacteria.

  • Mixed SIBO: If both hydrogen and methane levels are elevated, it may indicate mixed SIBO with a combination of hydrogen and methane-producing bacteria.

It's important to note that the Lactulose Breath Test can provide valuable information about the presence and type of SIBO, but it may not identify the underlying cause of SIBO. Additional testing or evaluation may be necessary to determine the root cause.

To book this test, and to see if this test is right for you, please first book a naturopathic consult with the naturopathic doctor

TREATMENT FOR SIBO

If you receive a positive diagnosis for SIBO through the Lactulose Breath Test, your naturopathic doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Treatment for SIBO typically involves:

  • Digestive support - Improving digestive function is key to establishing secretions and contractions that help to manage SIBO

  • Antimicrobials - To target and reduce the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine

  • Dietary Changes - You may be advised to follow a special diet low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) to reduce the bacteria's food source and alleviate symptoms.

  • Probiotics - Once bacteria overgrowth has been eradicated, you will likely start a couple of rounds of particular probiotic strains

  • Gut Repair - Probably the most important step that targets the root cause of why you developed SIBO in the first place

CONCLUSION

The Lactulose Breath Test is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). By measuring the levels of hydrogen & methane gases in your breath after consuming a lactulose solution, naturopathic doctors can diagnose SIBO and determine the type of gas-producing bacteria involved. This information is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms associated with SIBO and improve your digestive health. If you're experiencing persistent digestive issues, consult with a healthcare professional to explore the possibility of SIBO and discuss whether the Lactulose Breath Test is a suitable diagnostic option for you. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes and a happier, healthier gut.