WHAT BREATH TESTS CAN BE DONE?

There are 5 breath tests that can be done at our office.  One is a test for Helicobacter pylori infection in our stomach. The other 4 test for gas production in our bowels, which is a common cause of abdominal pain, bloating and change in bowel function  These test for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Lactose intolerance, Fructose and Sucrose Malabsorption.

WHY ARE BREATH TESTS DONE?

The breath tests are done for different reasons.  The H. pylori breath test is done to detect the presence of bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) that can live in the stomach and can cause abdominal discomfort, ulcers and gastric cancer.  This bacteria is treatable with antibiotics.  It is a very resistant and difficult to eradicate bacteria and requires high dose antibiotics.  Once you have gone through treatment for H. pylori you should have a breath test in about 4-6 weeks to confirm eradication.

The other three breath tests are done for symptoms like gas, bloating and sometimes diarrhea/ constipation. These are very common symptoms and can be frustrating and difficult to figure out at times.  We utilize these breath tests to help us look for some of the most common causes of these symptoms and direct therapy.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A BREATH TEST IN SAN ANTONIO TX?

Scheduling a breath test with my office is easy.  No prior office visit is required.  There are several ways to accomplish this. You can speak to your primary care physician and have them send us a request form and my office will contact you to make the arrangements.

Another option is to call my office directly at 210-615-8308 and we will talk you through the process over the phone and help to make all arrangements. Another way is by clicking the “request an appointment” link below and filling in the appropriate information. My office will contact you within one business day to make the arrangements. We will also help you deal with and answer all questions regarding your insurance coverage.

request an appointment button with Dr. Havranek

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PREPARATION FOR BREATH TESTS?

The preparation begins the day before your breath tests. You should not eat beans, bran or high fiber foods the day before your exam.  These tend to produce a lot of gas on their own.  You should have nothing more to eat or drink after you go to bed that night.  We want your stomach to be empty for the exam.  No smoking the morning of the exam, no morning medications, and no brushing of your teeth which can all affect the results of the test.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT THE DAY OF THE BREATH TESTS?

Each breath tests is a little different. 

H. pylori Breath Test.  You need to be off all PPI medication (Omeprazole, Nexium, Pantoprazole, Prilosec, Dexilant, etc) for 2 weeks and antibiotics 4 weeks prior to testing. You will swallow a small capsule in the office and then be asked to breathe into a balloon.  If H. pylori is present in your stomach it will show up positive and appropriate treatment plan will be given before you leave the office. This exam takes about 30 minutes.

Lactose Breath Test.  3 hours before your scheduled breath test, at home, you will drink LacTest powder (provided by our office) mixed with 12 ounces of water. Once you arrive at the office you will be asked to breathe into a small machine one time and the results will be analyzed.  You will get the results of the test before you leave. This test takes about 15 minutes.

Fructose Breath Test.  3 hours before your scheduled breath test, at home, you will drink a Fructose powder (provided by our office) mixed in 12 ounces of water. Once you arrive at the office you will be asked to breathe into a small machine one time and the results will be analyzed.  You will get the results of the test before you leave.  This test takes about 15 minutes.

SIBO Breath Test.  Once you arrive at the office you will be given a solution of Lactulose to drink.  You will then be asked to blow into the small machine every 15 minutes until positive or up to a maximum of 90 minutes.  If it is positive at any point in time the test will be stopped. You will get the results before you leave the office.  If positive we will send a prescription to your pharmacy.