If your gastroenterologist at DHC has suggested that you undergo a breath test, there are some preparatory measures you must take in order to make sure the procedure goes as smoothly as possible and accurate results can be attained. Before a breath test for Lactose Intolerance or Bacterial Overgrowth, you must abide by the following instructions in order for the test to be successful.
24 hours before your breath test, you may only consume the following foods:
It is important to eat only the prescribed prep diet before your breath test. This is because everything we eat is broken down into intestinal bacteria, which then converts to hydrogen and/or methane gas. Too much of either gas can contribute to problems, such as diarrhea or stomach pain. Breath tests help identify and diagnose abnormal levels of these gasses. In order to accurately diagnose the source of your digestive problems, DHC will observe your regular hydrogen and methane levels, without any interference from certain ingested foods. Certain foods and drinks will significantly impact your hydrogen and methane levels, which can skew the results of your breath test.
Please refrain from eating the following foods the entire day before your breath test, as they are rich in carbohydrates and starches which can unnaturally alter your breath test results:
You should not consume anything by mouth 12 hours prior to your appointment. Except for water.
The breath test takes around three hours, so please plan your day accordingly. Before your breath test appointment, please take the following precautions:
As the test is two hours long, you are welcome to bring reading or entertainment materials to keep yourself occupied. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your test!
After your breath test at Digestive Healthcare Center, your physician will discuss the results with you and answer any questions you may have.
Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.
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If you have any questions about how to properly prepare for your breath test, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Digestive Healthcare Center. At DHC, we put our patients’ safety and comfort first. Since we offer state-of-the-art procedures for a variety of digestive conditions, we are able to accurately diagnose and treat various digestive conditions and provide treatment options so you can live a healthier and more comfortable life. Most of our procedures, including breath tests, are conducted at our Hillsborough, NJ location, but we also take appointments and perform certain procedures at our Warren and Somerville offices. Please contact us with any questions you have about breath tests or to make your appointment today.
We are proud to offer telemedicine care to patients throughout NJ, allowing patients to consult with one of our expert gastroenterologists via a two-way video call. Setting up and completing a telemedicine visit is extremely simple, and all you need to do to get started is give one of our offices a call or contact us by filling out a form.