Breath test for bacterial overgrowth
The bacterial overgrowth breath test consists of taking breath samples periodically for 2 hours after ingesting a lactulose load. The breath samples are processed through specialized equipment that performs the measurements for later interpretation. The test is indicated to evaluate alterations that may be associated with changes in the intestinal flora .
General recommendations
Preparation for the procedure is of vital importance for the correct preparation and performance of the examination requested of you. Remember that it is your treating physician, or the health team that cares for you, who knows your health status and recommends the performance of this examination (indication and relevance), not the Gastroclinic Institute as such.
For technical-scientific reasons and for patient safety, we recommend that you prepare for the exam in the established manner. However, we also suggest that you consult your doctor beforehand , as he or she is the one who knows your health condition and can best advise you on the possibility of doing this preparation, in case you have any illness or are undergoing any treatment that cannot be interrupted for fasting.
For endoscopic procedures, patients over 75 years of age, under 12 years of age, or with cognitive disability problems, sleep apnea (those who use CPAP), those who have suffered a heart attack less than six months ago, with psychiatric disorders, genetic disorders, epilepsy and those who use oxygen in their daily lives must report this condition by contacting the Gastroclinical Institute before beginning the preparation, in order to confirm the appointment assignment.
Recommendations prior to the procedure
During the 24 hours prior to the exam
Do not consume:
• No gum or candy, not even on the day of the test.
• Milk and dairy products (yogurts, cheeses, butter).
• Cereals, bread, cookies, toast, biscuits, cakes.
• Pastry or confectionery products (muffins, donuts), sweets (candy, chewing gum) and jams.
• Legumes, potatoes, vegetables and greens.
• Fruits and fruit juices
• Soft drinks
• Processed sausages (cooked ham, turkey, mortadella, sausages, salami, etc.).
• Nuts
• White or brown sugar or sweeteners
• Liquor
• Do not smoke 1 hour before or during the exam.
• Do not perform intense physical exercise during the 6 hours prior to the test or during the test (it is recommended to remain seated).
You can consume during the 24 hours prior to the exam:
• Eggs (French omelette, hard-boiled or fried egg).
• White rice (without garlic, onion or tomato sauce).
• Beef or pork, chicken, white or blue fish.
• Water, tea, sugar-free infusions
• Legumes and/or pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas, corn, green beans, peas, tomatoes, quinoa, onions).
Recommendations for the day of the procedure
Take an unsweetened aromatic tea 2 hours before the exam.
Fast for at least 14 hours before the exam.
Stop antibiotic treatment (during the previous 4 weeks).
Consumption of laxatives (including Plantaben or other fibers) or Probiotics or Prokinetics (Metoclopramide, Cisapride, Domperidone), during the last 15 days.