What Is a SIBO Breath Test?

What is the purpose of a SIBO breath test?

Your doctor may use this breath test to detect the presence of excess bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO) or if they suspect you are intolerant to a certain type of sugar

Who needs a SIBO breath test? 

A doctor may order a SIBO breath test if you have symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), including:

• bloating
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• nausea or vomiting
• unintentional weight loss
• malabsorption of nutrients

They may also recommend this test if you have had abdominal surgery or have any of the following conditions that can leadTrusted Source to SIBO:

• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease
• celiac disease
• hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
• sugar intolerance
• gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
• diabetes
• small bowel diverticula (a group of conditions that affect the digestive tract)

Where is a SIBO breath test performed?

A SIBO breath test can be performed at a medical facility or at home, depending on the type of test being used.