SIBO Diagnosis
Content
1. Preparartion for SIBO Breathtesting
2. Summary
1. Preparartion for SIBO Breathtesting
To ensure the most accurate results from a SIBO breath test and identify the dominant bacteria in the small intestine, several key precautions should be followed before the test by the patient. These include:
- No antibiotic use for 4 weeks before the test (1,2),
- No prokinetics or laxatives for at least 1 week before the test,
- Avoiding gas-producing foods for 3 days before the test,
- No prebiotics or probiotics for 1 day before the test (1),
- No fermentable complex carbohydrates (e.g., lentils, beans, cabbage, whole grains, etc.) for 1 day before the test (3)
- Following a low-FODMAP diet (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols) and easily digestible diet the day before the test,
- Avoiding smoking (3), chewing gum, and alcohol consumption the day before the test,
- Fasting for 8–12 hours before the test (1,2,3),
- Brushing teeth on the morning of the test with sorbitol-free toothpaste or without toothpaste,
- Avoiding the use of denture adhesives on the test morning,
- Refraining from smoking, eating, and engaging in excessive physical activity during the test (1,2),
- Drinking only small amounts of water during the test.
Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to inaccurate test results.
Permitted foods include eggs, white rice, chicken, lean beef & pork, white bread, unsweetened coffee or tea, and still water.
2. Summary
Summary of the presented points:
References
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- Rezaie A, Buresi M, Lembo A, Lin H, McCallum R, Rao S, Schmulson M, Valdovinos M, Zakko S, Pimentel M. Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017 May;112(5):775-784. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2017.46. Epub 2017 Mar 21. PMID: 28323273; PMCID: PMC5418558.
- Saad RJ, Chey WD. Breath testing for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: maximizing test accuracy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014 Dec;12(12):1964-72; quiz e119-20. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.09.055. Epub 2013 Oct 1. PMID: 24095975.
