Breath test lactose, fructose and glucose
With a breath test, the doctor examines to what extent you digest certain foodstuffs such as lactose, fructose and glucose in the small intestine. When these foods reach the small intestine, they are broken down by certain proteins. These are known as enzymes. If these enzymes are missing, the foodstuffs are not digested until they reach the large intestine. This releases a gas that is absorbed in the blood and expelled via the lungs. The doctor establishes whether or not the foodstuffs have been properly digested in this exhaled air.
Preparation
- To ensure the examination goes as it should, it is important that you have an empty stomach when you come to the hospital. This means that you may not eat, drink or smoke for eight hours before the examination.
- You may not take any laxatives or medication that may promote the emptying of the stomach for one week before the examination.
- The examination takes about 4 hours. You may not engage in any physical exertion during this time. So be sure to bring a magazine or a laptop with you.
The examination
- You will be asked to drink a liquid. This liquid contains the foodstuffs which the doctor wants to test for proper digestion.
- After this, you blow into a plastic bag at intervals determined in advance. This air can be used to determine whether you are digesting the sugars normally or not.
- You will also be asked to give scores for symptoms that you experience during the examination on the basis of a form.
After the examination
The results are not available immediately. They will be discussed with you during a subsequent consultation.
If the examination was requested by a doctor outside UZ Brussel, the results are sent on. Allow two weeks for this.