H2-Exhalationstests

It means an analysis of the exhalation air after the previous administration/intake of various sugar solutions. Amongst others, it is used for diagnostics of:

• lactose intolerance
• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• small intestine passage time
• resorption ability (capacity) of the small intestine

What does the examination look like and what should I pay attention to?

Performing of this procedure urgently requires full fasting over 12 hours, which also includes nicotine prohibition.
Depending on the problem, the patient receives for the procedure different sugar solutions to drink (lactose, glucose, lactulose, xylose). Afterwards, the analysis of exhalation air takes place at fixed intervals of time. The total duration of the procedure varies between 30 minutes and 3 hours. In case of respective intolerance, flatulence and diarrhoea can occur for a short time. Otherwise, the procedures are safe and painless.