Hydrogen breath test
Hydrogen Breath Test
The Hydrogen Breath Test (pronunciation: /ˈhaɪdrədʒən/ /breθ/ /tɛst/) is a diagnostic procedure used to detect malabsorption or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Etymology
The term "Hydrogen Breath Test" is derived from the fact that the test measures the amount of hydrogen in the breath, which is a byproduct of bacterial metabolism in the gut.
Procedure
The Hydrogen Breath Test involves the patient fasting for a period of time before the test. The patient then consumes a solution containing a specific amount of sugar (usually lactose, fructose, or glucose). Breath samples are collected at regular intervals to measure the amount of hydrogen present. An increase in breath hydrogen indicates that the sugar has not been properly absorbed by the small intestine and has instead been metabolized by bacteria, resulting in the production of hydrogen.
Related Terms
- Malabsorption: A condition in which the small intestine cannot adequately absorb certain nutrients from the diet.
- Bacterial Overgrowth: A condition where there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine.
- Small Intestine: The part of the digestive system where most nutrient absorption occurs.
- Lactose Intolerance: A common condition that results in the malabsorption of lactose, often diagnosed using the Hydrogen Breath Test.
- Fructose Malabsorption: A condition characterized by the inability to absorb fructose, often diagnosed using the Hydrogen Breath Test.
- Glucose: A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydrogen breath test
- Wikipedia's article - Hydrogen breath test
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