What are breathing tests?
It is possible to diagnose the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract area through breathing tests. Breathing tests are based on the fact, that bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract can divide substances. The products that result of this then get in the blood stream and from there into the lungs, where they can be messured in the exhaled air. There are two groups of tests: By the 13C breathing test the concentration of carbon dioxide is measured, which among others, can produce the bacteria Helicobacter pylori when certain degradation products are divided. Proof of Helicobacter pylori can be seen as the reason for gastrointestinal complaints and should be treated with a weeklong combination therapy of antibiotics and an acid beta-blocker. By the H2 breathing test the concentration of hydrogen (H2) is measured, a product of the division of carbohydrates in the intestines. Hereby the malabsorption syndrome can be diagnosed. Depending on which function is supposed to be
