Heartland Regional Medical Center is introducing a new, non-invasive tests for patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
The hydrogen breath test works by measuring the amount of gases in the breath after a patient is given a sugar solution.
Doctors estimate between ten and fifteen percent of the population suffers from IBS, which is characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements. It’s unknown what causes IBS.
But gastroenterologist Yazan Abu Qwaider said many patients with the disease have an overgrowth of bacteria in their system, which can be diagnosed with the breath test.
“What happens is, when we have too much bacteria in our small bowel, the bacteria typically feeds on what we eat, mainly carbohydrates. And going back to irritable bowel syndrome, the majority of these patients have carbohydrate mal-digestion,” he said.
If found, the bacterial overdose can be treated to ease symptoms.
Anyone interested in the testing can contact Heartland Regional for an appointment.
