Our Services / Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing

Will my insurance cover this service?

Most insurance plans will cover the cost of breath testing. We are aware that in some instances, they may deny payment. If that occurs, we do offer the test for a self pay rate of $60.

What is hydrogen and methane breath testing? 

Hydrogen and methane breath testing is a diagnostic test that helps confirm or rule out the underlying cause of common gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

The test measures the amount of hydrogen or methane in your breath to help diagnose gastrointestinal conditions.

Gateway Gastroenterology is a full-service gastroenterology and hepatology practice that provides comprehensive testing to help patients get the answers they need.

What does hydrogen and methane breath testing diagnose?

Gateway Gastroenterology performs hydrogen and methane breath testing to diagnose lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a common gastrointestinal condition in which your gastrointestinal tract can’t break down lactose, the main carbohydrate in milk. It occurs because you don’t make or produce enough of the enzyme (lactase) needed to digest lactose.

Fructose intolerance

People with fructose intolerance cannot absorb fructose, a simple sugar in fruits and some vegetables. Some people also have hereditary fructose intolerance, which means they don’t make enzymes that break down fructose. 

SIBO

SIBO is when there’s an excess amount of bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO may occur because of problems that affect the chemical or mechanical functions of your gastrointestinal tract. 

These conditions cause common symptoms, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have one of these other conditions. 

What are the preparation steps for hydrogen and methane breath testing?

Your provider at Gateway Gastroenterology gives you very specific guidelines on how to prepare for your hydrogen and methane breath testing. Preparation depends on the type of test you’re having and the condition your gastroenterologist has concerns about.

Preparation typically includes diet modifications during the weeks prior to the testing and eating only specific foods the day before your test. You must follow the preparation guidelines as directed to get the most accurate results from the test. 

What happens during hydrogen and methane breath testing?

Gateway Gastroenterology performs your hydrogen and methane breath testing at the office. First, the technician has you breathe into a tube that analyzes the amount of methane and hydrogen gas in your breath.

You then drink a lactose, lactulose, or fructose solution, and the technician rechecks your breath to measure hydrogen and methane levels every 15 to 20 minutes. The entire test takes two to four hours.

You can resume your usual activities after your test. Your gastroenterologist reviews the data and schedules a follow-up appointment to discuss the results with you.

Do you have gas, bloating, and abdominal pain? You should schedule hydrogen and methane breath testing at Gateway Gastroenterology to find out why. Call the office or request an appointment online today.