In case of suspected sugar intolerance

H2 breath test at JUVENIS

The hydrogen breath test (H2 breath test) is performed when there is a suspicion of sugar intolerance (lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, sorbitol intolerance, SIBOS) is carried out. The different sugars must first be broken down in the intestine so that they can then be transported through the small intestinal wall into the blood by a transport mechanism.

If one of these mechanisms does not function, the sugar cannot be absorbed and subsequently reaches the large intestine, where it is metabolized by the resident intestinal bacteria. This produces H2 (hydrogen), which can be measured at JUVENIS with a breath analyzer, and CO2 (carbon dioxide), which is responsible for the abdominal symptoms.

At JUVENIS, the non-invasive H2 breath test is performed by the experienced nutritional physician Dr. Daniela Themmer. If left undetected, the symptoms can become chronic, causing significant suffering for the affected patients. Through this simple method, we can help and contribute to your health.

Treatment room for the H2 breath test at the JUVENIS medical center

Treatments & Therapies

When should an H2 breath test be considered?

Usually, the patient comes to the practice with the typical complaints of dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome. The symptoms can be:

  • Colicky abdominal pain

  • Bloating

  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation

  • nausea

  • Heartburn

  • migraine

  • Depression

  • Fatigue

  • Cycle irregularities

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020, by e-mail at empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact form, to arrange a consultation or treatment appointment.

What types of H2 breath tests are there?

  • Lactose

  • Fructose

  • Sorbitol

  • Xylose (general malabsorption)

  • Lactulose (mouth-cecum transit time, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

Treatment procedure

After you, as a JUVENIS patient, have been informed about the preparation for the test (which varies depending on the suspicion), you will come to the practice fasting on the day of the test.

After a so-called baseline measurement, the sugar to be tested is dissolved in water and then drunk by the patient.

After that, 4-5 breath measurements are taken (similar to a lung function test) are taken at 30-minute intervals.

Based on the values of the generated measurement curve, a sugar utilization disorder can be confirmed or excluded. You will receive your results on the same day.

Important: No more appointments on the test day!!

There should be at least 2 weeks between individual tests.

H2 breath test at JUVENIS

How should the patient prepare for an H2 breath test?

  • Before the test, the patient should be fasting for at least 14 hours. During this time, they must not drink anything except water. Fruit juices or milk should be avoided the day before.

  • The last meal on the day before the test should not be too heavy and should contain as little fiber as possible.

  • On the day before the test, no onions, leeks, garlic, cabbage, kale, or bean vegetables should be eaten.

  • 12 hours before the start of the test, you should not smoke or chew gum.

  • Medications (with the exception of vitamins, laxatives, and antibiotics) can be taken with pure water on the day of the examination.

  • Denture wearers must not use adhesive on the day of the test!

  • Brushing teeth with toothpaste is not a problem.

Costs

Treatment Price
H2 breath test including nutritional counseling € 180

FAQs

The H2 breath test is a diagnostic method for detecting food intolerances, in particular lactose, fructose, or sorbitol intolerance. The hydrogen concentration in the breath is measured.

You drink a test solution and then provide breath samples at regular intervals. The examination usually lasts approx. 2 to 3 hours.

At JUVENIS you benefit from modern diagnostics, precise evaluation, and individual consultation. The results are interpreted professionally and help you, specifically adjust your diet and reduce symptoms.

The H2 breath test can detect, among other things:

  • Lactose intolerance

  • Fructose intolerance

  • Sorbitol intolerance

After drinking a test solution (e.g., containing lactose or fructose), the breath is analyzed at regular intervals. If the hydrogen content rises, this indicates that the sugar in the intestine not being processed correctly.

The examination is recommended for complaints such as:

  • Bloating

  • Abdominal pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Feeling of fullness

  • Unclear digestive problems after certain foods

No, the H2 breath test is non-invasive and painless. You simply exhale into a measuring device.

Yes, for accurate results you should:

  • appear fasting

  • avoid certain foods the day before

  • pause medications if necessary (after medical consultation)

You will receive precise instructions in advance.

During the test, typical symptoms may occur that also occur with intolerances, such as bloating or abdominal pain. These are temporary.

The evaluation usually takes place directly after the test or shortly thereafter and will be discussed with you.

The test is a proven and reliable method for diagnosing food intolerances when performed correctly.

Depending on medical necessity, a (partial) coverage of costs by the health insurance be possible.

The costs depend on the substance tested and the scope of the examination. An H2 breath test including nutritional counseling costs from € 180.

The Exact prices will be provided in a personal consultation..

We have answered the most frequently asked questions on the topic of H2 breath test answered. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via empfang@juvenismed.at or at +43 1 236 3020.

Team

Dr. med. Daniela Themmer

Dr. med.Daniela Themmer

Physician for General Medicine and Nutritional Medicine
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Responsible for the content of this page: Dr. med. Daniela Themmer