Genova Diagnostics: FEES INCLUDE: Kit: $14.95, Great Smokies Performance of Test: $110, Dr Banks follow-up consultation: $125 (email/phone) Assessment Specifications Analytes: Total levels: Hydrogen, Methane, Hydrogen + Methane Graphs: Hydrogen + Methane (in ppm) plotted over 120 minutesSpecimen Requirements: Six fasting breath samples: -at baseline, 20 min, 40 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min Before Taking This Test: - Avoid high-fiber foods and supplements (2 days before) - Eat a light dinner (on the night before) - Fast (12 hours before) -Inform practitioner of all medications and supplements -See instructions inside test kit for details This simple, non-invasive test detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, a common condition that often underlies chronic symptoms of maldigestion and malabsorption, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, irregularity, and abdominal pain. Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine is a serious digestive disorder that can inhibit nutrient absorption and lead to many health problems. Although widespread, it is frequently unsuspected in cases of chronic bowel problems and carbohydrate intolerance because its symptoms often mimic other disorders. Often this condition is associated with reduced intestinal motility-a slower transit of foodstuffs through the bowels caused by fiber inadequacy or digestive imbalances. The Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test is appropriate for patients who have unexplained abdominal symptoms, cannot tolerate sweet or starchy foods, fiber, or friendly flora supplements. This test is also important for differentiating the cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, affecting about 20% of the general population. Studies suggest that as many as 50% to 75% of patients with IBS have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth as demonstrated by hydrogen breath testing. This safe, non-invasive test measures both hydrogen and methane produced by bacteria in the small intestine. Higher levels of these gases in the breath indicate increased bacterialgrowth. Simple and easy-to-perform, hydrogen breath testing offers greater reproducibility and a more comprehensive assessment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth than even a direct tissue culture. Once bacterial overgrowth has been detected, intervention strategies involving diet, digestive support, probiotics, and anti-microbials (pharmaceutical or herbal) can be used to treat the condition. Successful eradication of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine has been shown to reduce bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in patients more effectively than many other treatments for IBS. Because bacterial overgrowth may sometimes manifest silently without any overt clinical signs, even patients without clear symptoms of gastro-intestinal distress may benefit from testing. Without proper detection and treatment, unsuspected overgrowth can gradually lead to systemic disorders such as altered intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"), anemia and weight loss, progressive bone thinning, poor digestive function, bacterial translocation (causing immune dysfunction and toxic overload), and malnutrition. Frequently Asked Questions Tummy Trouble? Your bloating, gas, abdominal cramps or diarrhea may indicate Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine, a problem easily diagnosed using our breath test. What is Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine? Your body normally contains lots of bacteria in the large intestine, where they aid in food digestion and other beneficial processes. However, there are fewer bacteria in the small intestine where the environment is less conducive to their growth. The stomach's gastric acid and the rapid movement of food through the small intestine keep the bacterial population low. Many conditions allow bacteria to grow in the small intestine, including low stomach acid, parasite infection, intestinal scar tissue, diabetes, Crohn's disease and slow transit of food through the intestine. How does it affect the body? Too many bacteria in the small intestine disrupt the normal digestive process, creating gastrointestinal problems such as gas and diarrhea. Bacteria also compete with the body for nutrients, which can lead to deficiencies of nutrients such as vitamin B12. What are the symptoms? This condition often escapes diagnosis because its symptoms are common: abdominal bloating and gas and possibly diarrhea within one hour of eating. You may also experience problems digesting dairy products or other carbohydrates. Unexplained weight loss, steatorrhea (fatty diarrhea) and Vitamin B12 deficiency are other clues to bacterial overgrowth. Can bacterial overgrowth be treated? Yes. Once bacterial overgrowth has been diagnosed, your physician can use antibiotics or natural antimicrobials to eradicate the bacteria, relieving your symptoms. Treatment can then begin on the underlying causes to keep overgrowth from recurring. How can I know if I have it? There are several test methods. One method is endoscopy in which a long tube is put down your throat to collect a sample of your intestinal juice. An alternative method is the breath test, which is simpler and far more comfortable. How can a breath test measure bacteria in the small intestine? Your body's digestion consists of a series of steps where food is broken into smaller and smaller parts, enabling you to absorb the nutrients. In the Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine Breath Test, you take a special drink containing lactulose, a non-digestible sugar. If bacteria are excessive in the small intestine, they will ferment the challenge drink, producing hydrogen and methane. Some of the gas is reabsorbed into your bloodstream and carried to your lungs through capillaries. The breath test looks for increased hydrogen and methane in your exhaled breath to indicate the presence and degree of bacterial overgrowth. How does the breath test work? With the Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine Breath Test, you simply blow into a special mouthpiece and vacuum-sealed collection tubes. You can do the test at home or in your doctor's office. There aren't any blood or urine tests and no mess. The tubes containing breath specimens are sent by prepaid overnight delivery to Genova Diagnostics for analysis. Your health care professional will receive test results within a few days. Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine Breath Test? Talk to your health care professional. After reviewing your symptoms and concerns, he or she will decide if a Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine Breath Test is appropriate. Your health care professional can correct any imbalances the test may uncover, often suggesting antimicrobials, digestive support or a change of diet. If you know family members or friends who might have Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine, have them read this brochure to see if a Genova Diagnostics breath test would benefit them. They can discuss their concerns with their health care professional. 1 Test substance is swallowed. It travels through the stomach into the small intestine. 2 Small intestine bacterial metabolism produces hydrogen and methane gases within first 1 - 2 hours. 3 Bacteria in colon may ferment remaining test substance after 1 1/2 - 2 hours. 4 Hydrogen and methane are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs. 5 Expired air contains elevated levels of hydrogen and methane. A rapid increase (1-1/2 hours) in breath-gas levels indicates bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. Many conditions allow bacteria to grow in the small intestine. Take this quiz to determine your likelihood of Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine. Ask yourself. Within one hour of eating, do you often have. . . ___ Abdominal cramps? ___ Bloating? ___ Diarrhea? ___ Gas? If so, ask yourself the following. . . ___ Are you losing weight and don't know why? ___ Have you been told you have too much or too little stomach acid? ___ Do you take medications for "heartburn"? ___ Have you had an intestinal parasite? ___ Do you have trouble tolerating starchy foods or dairy products? Do you have. . . ___ Diabetes? ___ Crohn's disease? ___ Diverticulitis? ___ Chronic pancreatitis? ___ Systemic lupus erythematosus? ___ Scleroderma? ___ Chronic constipation? ___ Have you had intestinal surgery? If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, you may have Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine, a common cause of chronic digestive problems. Share this information with your health care professional to see if a Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine Breath Test would be helpful. |