Breath Testing for Digestive Disorders in the Bronx, NY
Noninvasive breath tests used to diagnose SIBO, lactose intolerance, and other digestive conditions.
Image: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH
What Is Breath Testing for Digestive Disorders?
Breath testing is a simple, noninvasive way to diagnose conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), lactose intolerance, and fructose malabsorption by measuring specific gases in your breath after consuming a test substance.
Why Is It Done? (Indications)
- Unexplained bloating or gas
- Suspected SIBO
- Suspected lactose or fructose intolerance
- Persistent IBS-like symptoms without a clear cause
How to Prepare
Step 1
A specific pre-test diet for 24 hours beforehand
Step 2
Fasting overnight before the test
Step 3
Avoiding certain medications and smoking before testing, per instructions
How It's Performed
You'll drink a test solution, then breathe into a collection device at set intervals over a few hours while gas levels are measured to identify abnormal bacterial activity or malabsorption.
What Happens After (Recovery)
Brief rest as sedation wears off
Resume normal diet and activity
Results reviewed with your doctor
There's no recovery needed — you can resume normal activities and eating immediately after the test is complete.
Risks
- None significant; the test is noninvasive and safe
Reviewed by Dr. Anthony Marchetti, MDDoctors Who Perform This Procedure
Dr. Anthony Marchetti, MDMedical Director, Gastroenterology
Benefits
- Noninvasive and well-tolerated
- Can identify causes of bloating that other tests miss
- Directly guides targeted treatment