If sugar intolerance is suspected

H2 breath test at JUVENIS

The hydrogen breath test (H2 breath test) is carried out in cases of suspected sugar intolerance (lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, sorbitol intolerance, SIBOS). The various sugars must first be broken down in the intestine so that they can then be transported through the wall of the small intestine into the blood.

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

At JUVENIS, the non-invasive H2 breath test is carried out by experienced nutritionist Dr. Daniela Themmer. If the symptoms are not recognized, they can become chronic and cause great suffering for affected patients. With 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 is an H2 breath test advisable?

Patients usually come to the surgery with the typical symptoms of dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome. The symptoms can be

  • Colicky abdominal pain

  • Flatulence

  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation

  • Nausea

  • Heartburn

  • Migraine

  • Depression

  • Tiredness

  • Cycle disorders

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020by e-mail to empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact formto make an appointment for a consultation or treatment.

What types of H2 breath test are there?

  • Lactose

  • Fructose

  • Sorbitol

  • Xylose (general malabsorption)

  • Lactulose (mouth-caecum transit time, small intestine miscolonization)

Treatment procedure

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

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

This is followed by 4-5 breathing measurements (similar to a lung function measurement) at 30-minute intervals.

A sugar utilization disorder can be confirmed or ruled out based on the values of the measurement curve. 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 the individual tests.

H2 breath test at JUVENIS

How should the patient prepare for an H2 breath test?

  • The patient should fast for at least 14 hours before the test. During this time, the patient should not drink anything except water. Fruit juices and milk should be avoided the day before.

  • The last meal the day before the test should not be too substantial and should preferably not contain any fiber.

  • Onions, leeks, garlic, cabbage, cabbage or beans should not be eaten the day before the test.

  • Do not smoke or chew gum for 12 hours before the start of the test.

  • Medication (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 any adhesive on the test day!

  • Brushing your teeth with toothpaste is not a problem.

Costs

Treatment Price
H2 breath test including nutritional advice € 180

FAQs

The H2 breath test is a diagnostic method used to identify food intolerances, particularly lactose, fructose, or sorbitol intolerance. It measures the concentration of hydrogen in exhaled breath.

You will drink a test solution and then provide breath samples at regular intervals. The test usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.

At JUVENIS, you benefit from state-of-the-art diagnostics, precise analysis, and personalized counseling. The results are professionally interpreted and help you make targeted adjustments to your diet and alleviate symptoms.

The H2 breath test can be used to detect, among other things:

  • Lactose intolerance

  • Fructose intolerance

  • Sorbitol intolerance

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

This examination is recommended for symptoms such as:

  • Flatulence

  • Stomach pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Feeling of fullness

  • Digestive problems caused by 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 sober

  • Avoid certain foods the day before

  • If necessary, stop taking medication (after consulting a doctor)

You will receive detailed instructions in advance.

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

The results are usually reviewed immediately after the test or shortly thereafter and will be discussed with you.

When performed correctly, the test is a proven and reliable method for diagnosing food intolerances.

Depending on medical necessity , your health insurance may cover some or all of the costs.

The cost depends on the substance being tested and the scope of the examination. An H2 breath test, including nutritional counseling, starts at €180.

You can get the exact prices during a personal consultation.

We have answered the most frequently asked questions about the H2 breath test here. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us atempfang@juvenismed.at or by phone at +43 1 236 3020.

Team

Dr. med. Daniela Themmer

Dr. med.Daniela Themmer, M.D.

Doctor of general medicine and nutritional medicine
Curriculum vitae

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Responsible for the content of this page: Dr. med. Daniela Themmer