Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a disorder of excessive bacterial growth in the small intestine. Unlike the colon which is rich in bacteria, the small intestine usually has much fewer bacteria. Patients with bacterial overgrowth can experience any of the following symptoms: nausea, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss or malnutrition. Risk factors for SIBO include previous intestinal surgeries, small intestinal diverticulosis, chronic pancreatitis and other motility/immune disorders. To test for this disorder, we will measure the amount of hydrogen in your breath after you consume a specific sugar called lactulose. This test takes approximately three hours to complete.
Hydrogen Breath Testing Preperation - English
Hydrogen Breath Testing Preperation - Spanish
