Get a breath test if SIBO is suspected

What to Do

Request a lactulose or glucose breath test from your doctor if you experience chronic bloating, gas, and diarrhea that worsens after eating fiber or fermented foods. This test detects small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Why It Works

SIBO breath tests measure hydrogen and methane gas produced by bacteria fermenting a sugar substrate. Elevated gas levels within the first 90 minutes indicate bacteria in the small intestine where they shouldn't be. This is a validated diagnostic that directly informs antibiotic treatment (typically rifaximin).

Tips

• Glucose breath tests are more specific but less sensitive than lactulose tests
• Follow the prep diet strictly (24 hours low-fiber) for accurate results
• If positive, treatment often resolves symptoms within 2 weeks
• Recurrence is common — address root causes like motility issues