Breath Test developed for diagnosis of GI disorders

A gas produced in the gut has been identified by the researchers of Cedars-Sinai that could improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with two main gastrointestinal disorders like small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Recently a large-scale clinical trial has identified the presence of a gut gas named hydrogen sulfide among patients with gastrointestinal disorders who experience diarrhea.

Patients complaining of pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and other gastrointestinal problems are routinely given a breath test to determine if they have the small intestine bacterial overgrowth. The presence of methane gas often explains the symptoms but has not been linked to diarrhea in many patients.

Breath testing is a noninvasive way to help doctors diagnose a number of conditions. By analyzing the breath, clinicians can measure the amount of certain gases and provide the quick and accurate diagnosis. The breath test can be used to diagnose a number of different conditions, including:

• Lactose Intolerance


• Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)


• Fructose Intolerance


• Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome

"This is a game-changer because we now see the full picture of fermentation gases, and it is hydrogen sulfide that appears to be linked to diarrhea," said Mark Pimentel, MD, executive director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai. "We knew something was missing from the conventional test."

Pimentel, MD, executive director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai, said that the new research by his team has led to the development of a new four-gas breath test device that should be available to patients by the end of the year.

"This novel device will allow physicians to better diagnose and treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth in patients. And the new tool will also be useful in screening for IBS--the most common Gastrointestinal disorders in the world," he said.

The findings of the new study were presented bt Pimentel and his team at the Digestive Disease Week conference in Washington D.C.

For more reference log on to

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/cedars-sinai-research-identifies-gut-gas-linked-to-diarrhea/