Hydrogen Breath Test

[Skittles]

Where would I go to get a hydrogen breath test?

I am in Canada (Nova Scotia to be specific). Can you get this at you family doctor generally? Or is this something that is done with a natropathic doc?

Anyone have one done before or have any info for me ?

Thanks!

[GFinAus]

Hi, I live in Australia, so I won't know where you need to go specifically, but I can tell you that I had my hydrogen breath test done at a lab at a hospital. Your general practitioner should be able to guide you to where a clinic is. It is a fairly lengthy test, for me it took 3 days in total. First day was a control test day, which basically ensures that you will respond correctly (by producing the required hydrogen gasses). The second and third day I was tested for lactose and fructose intolerance.

[peeptoad]

I've had it done four times now... but I live in the States. I got it through my GI doctor, so you may need to see a specialist in Canada to get it done. I think some primary care doctors here might do it, and I know of other GI docs who know nothing about it, so it varies.

What are being tested for? SIBO? Fructose intolerance? The type of sugar and length of time the test will take also vary depending on what you are being tested for.

[Skittles]

Fructose and lactose!

I've had it done four times now... but I live in the States. I got it through my GI doctor, so you may need to see a specialist in Canada to get it done. I think some primary care doctors here might do it, and I know of other GI docs who know nothing about it, so it varies.

What are being tested for? SIBO? Fructose intolerance? The type of sugar and length of time the test will take also vary depending on what you are being tested for.

[peeptoad]

Haven't had the lactose bt done, but the fructose one took less time than the lactulose for me... I think it was 2 or 3 hours, whereas lactulose took about 4. Just make sure you bring a book to read (or preferably a magazine, since you will get interrupted every 15 minutes or so to expire into the machine).

[Skittles]

So if I am fructose intolerant is it like celiac where you have to cut it out completely? Or do you just try to avoid it or reduce it? I am almost positive that I am intolerant to it

[peeptoad]

So if I am fructose intolerant is it like celiac where you have to cut it out completely? Or do you just try to avoid it or reduce it? I am almost positive that I am intolerant to it

I don't know since my test for fructmal was negative (though I definitely have problems with sugar I think it is bacteria-related, rather than the type of sugar). I do remember reading that, depending on the cause of fructmal, you don't need to cut it out completely, but avoid large amounts and if you "temper" fructose with glucose it will help (glucose helps the uptake of fructose in the intestine).

[GoTasha]

Did you find somewhere to get the test? I'm in NS, hoping to get tested and have it be covered