Hydrogen (H2) Breath Tests – Painless Diagnostics

Hydrogen (H2) breath tests provide painless, non-invasive diagnostic solutions for gastrointestinal issues. During the procedure, the patient consumes a specialized test liquid containing lactose (milk sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), or lactulose. After ingestion, changes in hydrogen levels in the exhaled air are measured, allowing for the detection of digestive disorders, intolerances, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

When are H2 Breath Tests Recommended?

• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance results from reduced or absent lactase enzyme activity, leading to incomplete digestion of milk sugar. Unabsorbed lactose ferments in the colon, producing hydrogen gas and causing bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

• Fructose Malabsorption: Fructose intolerance occurs when fruit sugar is inadequately absorbed, fermenting in the colon and causing symptoms such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea.

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): In SIBO, bacteria from the colon excessively multiply in the small intestine, fermenting carbohydrates and producing hydrogen and methane gases. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and early satiety.

• Helicobacter pylori Breath Test: Detects the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which colonize the stomach lining and can cause gastritis, gastric ulcers, and potentially stomach cancer. The bacteria break down urea, releasing carbon dioxide detectable in exhaled breath.

Procedure Overview:

Following necessary preparations, the patient consumes the selected test liquid (containing lactose, fructose, or lactulose). Over the next 180 minutes, the patient exhales into a measuring device connected to a specialized mouthpiece every 20-30 minutes to measure hydrogen levels.

Important Preparation Steps:

• Stop antibiotics and probiotics at least 1 month prior to the test.

• Allow a minimum of 4 weeks after endoscopic procedures or surgeries before performing the test.

• Avoid dairy products, fruits, vegetables, nuts, oily seeds, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and smoking the day before the test.

• On the test day, brush teeth using only water; avoid toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum, or candies.

Tax Allowance for Lactose Intolerance:

To certify lactose intolerance and claim tax allowances in Hungary, an initial lactulose breath test is required. If positive, SIBO must first be treated. The lactose breath test is performed only after a negative lactulose test result. A positive lactose test result requires a gastroenterologist's report, which your general practitioner uses to issue the tax allowance certificate. Lactose genetic testing is only used for retroactive tax claims covering up to 5 years and in itself does not qualify for current tax benefits.

H2 breath tests are rapid, painless, and reliable, supporting your digestive health effectively.