Hydrogen breath test – lactulose (3 hours)
Lactulose is a disaccharide that is normally digested only by the gut bacteria in the colon, producing lactic acid, acetic acid, methane and hydrogen. Lactulose normally passes through the small intestine in about 120 minutes.
- You simply blow into the device No needles, no unpleasant procedures.
- One measurement every 20 minutes Most of the 180 minutes is spent waiting calmly.
- We record your symptoms too It is not just the measured value that counts, but also how you feel.
- Can be paid from your health fund The cost of the tests can be reduced through tax relief.
When is a lactulose breath test recommended?
Suffering from severe bloating, abdominal tightness or digestive problems, but your lactose test came back negative? In the following cases, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may also be the cause.
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Suspected SIBO
If bacteria have migrated from the colon into the small intestine.
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Rapid bloating after meals
Which appears as early as 30–60 minutes after eating.
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Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency
Which may be caused by gut bacteria taking up nutrients.
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Abdominal pain of unclear origin
Which is not explained by haemorrhoids or other inflammation.
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Preparing for the lactose test
If you wish to claim the tax allowance, the protocol requires you to start with this test.
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Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
Disturbed gut flora can cause both extremes.
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Excessive gas
Which often comes with cramps and a feeling of tightness.
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Complaints after a course of antibiotics
If your digestive balance has not been restored after treatment.
Do any of these complaints sound familiar? In a single morning, the test shows whether bacterial overgrowth is present in the small intestine.
This list is for information only and does not replace an examination by a specialist. If you wish to claim the tax allowance, the protocol requires you to start with this test, and only after a negative result do you move on to the lactose test. If you are unsure which test you need, call us: 06-1-413-2500 (H–P 9–17).
Why have your lactulose test at Endomedix?
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Pinpointing SIBO precisely
Lactulose is normally broken down only in the colon, after roughly 120 minutes. If our measurement shows an earlier rise in hydrogen, that is a clear sign that the small intestine is involved. Our specialists are highly experienced in analysing this transit time, so you receive a reliable diagnosis.
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An essential step towards the tax allowance
Under current medical regulations, a negative lactulose test is required first for the tax allowance granted for lactose intolerance. This rules out a treatable intestinal infection and ensures that the tax certificate is issued in line with all legal requirements.
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Comprehensive diagnostic support
If the test is positive (indicating SIBO), we will not leave you on your own at our centre. Our doctors can recommend targeted therapy straight away – often a specific course of antibiotics and a diet – and, if needed, involve our gastroenterology specialists.
How should you prepare for the lactulose breath test?
Strict preparation is the key to an accurate diagnosis — a single missed rule can distort the measurement.
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What you must strictly avoid
- In the 1 month before Taking antibiotics and probiotics.
- In the 1 week before Acid-reducing medicines and medicines that affect digestion.
- In the 2 days before Using laxatives.
- The day before No vegetables, fruit, dairy products, alcohol or smoking. Do not eat after 19:00, and do not drink anything after 21:00.
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On the morning of the test
- Arrive on an empty stomach You must not drink anything after 21:00 the evening before.
- Brush your teeth without toothpaste Brush your teeth thoroughly, but do not swallow the water.
- Nothing in your mouth Do not use lipstick, mouthwash, chewing gum or sweets.
- Morning medication Take it only after the test — this applies to children too.
If you are unsure about any point — for example because of medication you take regularly — please call us before booking on 06-1-413-2500 to discuss it. Do not stop taking your medication on your own.
Did you know?
Five questions and answers about the lactulose breath test.
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Did you know that lactulose is a sugar the human body cannot digest?
Only the bacteria living in the gut can break it down, which is why it can serve as a marker showing where bacteria are present in the digestive tract.
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Did you know that bacteria multiplying in the small intestine take vitamins away from your body?
SIBO often causes fatigue and anaemia because the bacteria use up important nutrients.
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Did you know that for most of the 180 minutes, all you need to do is rest?
Most of the test is spent waiting, so at our centre you can read or work in peace between breath samples.
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Did you know that the examination fee can also be paid from your health fund account?
This way, you can also keep the cost of your investigations under control.
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Did you know that the result of the lactulose test is decisive when confirming lactose intolerance?
If the lactulose test is positive, the infection must be treated first, as it could produce a false positive lactose result.
Can also be paid from a health fund account
The examination fee can of course also be paid from your health fund account — our colleagues will be happy to give you the details. The list of health funds that work with Endomedix can be found here.
- Health fund account The fee for the breath test can also be paid from your health fund, just like the specialist consultation.
- Questions about the details? Call us on +36 1 413 2500 or write to us via the contact page.
