How To Interpret Hydrogen Breath Test
On the Interpretation of Hydrogen Breath Test
Hydrogen breath test is becoming increasingly important in medical research. This test aims to gain insight into the subtlety of human digestion and metabolism by leveraging the content of hydrogen in the breath.
To read the results of hydrogen breath test well, the first basic cognition. The flora in the human intestine is complex, and various bacteria exert their own capabilities in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Some bacteria can ferment undigested carbohydrates and release hydrogen. This qi enters the blood through the intestinal wall, travels to the lungs, and escapes with exhalation. Therefore, the change in the amount of hydrogen in exhalation is a sign of the hidden situation of intestinal metabolism.
When interpreting, it is necessary to carefully observe the curve trend. In normal cases, the concentration of hydrogen in exhalation is stable at the initial stage, because there is no abnormal fermentation. If the curve rises sharply after eating a specific substrate, and the increase is significant and the peak is rapid, it often indicates excessive proliferation of small intestinal bacteria or poor absorption of carbohydrates. For example, in those who are lactose intolerant, the hydrogen concentration spikes in a short time after drinking milk, which is evidence that the intestinal lactase is deficient, and lactose is fermented by bacteria in the intestine.
Furthermore, the peak time is also critical. Reaching the peak too early, or pointing to the small intestine for excessive transmission, the food enters the colon before it is fully digested and absorbed, causing the bacteria to ferment in advance. Reaching the peak too late, or due to delayed intestinal motility, food congestion, and delayed fermentation.
In addition, individual differences should not be underestimated. Age, eating habits, past history of intestinal microecology, etc., can all affect the results of the test. The intestinal function of the elderly declines, the proportion of flora changes, or the production and excretion of hydrogen is different from that of the young and strong; long-term vegetarians, the intestinal bacteria spectrum is different from that of meat eaters, and the fermentation ability of carbohydrates is also different.
In summary, in order to accurately interpret the hydrogen breath test, it is necessary to comprehensively consider a variety of factors, explore its profound meaning in a scientific and prudent manner, and find reliable evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Hydrogen breath test is becoming increasingly important in medical research. This test aims to gain insight into the subtlety of human digestion and metabolism by leveraging the content of hydrogen in the breath.
To read the results of hydrogen breath test well, the first basic cognition. The flora in the human intestine is complex, and various bacteria exert their own capabilities in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Some bacteria can ferment undigested carbohydrates and release hydrogen. This qi enters the blood through the intestinal wall, travels to the lungs, and escapes with exhalation. Therefore, the change in the amount of hydrogen in exhalation is a sign of the hidden situation of intestinal metabolism.
When interpreting, it is necessary to carefully observe the curve trend. In normal cases, the concentration of hydrogen in exhalation is stable at the initial stage, because there is no abnormal fermentation. If the curve rises sharply after eating a specific substrate, and the increase is significant and the peak is rapid, it often indicates excessive proliferation of small intestinal bacteria or poor absorption of carbohydrates. For example, in those who are lactose intolerant, the hydrogen concentration spikes in a short time after drinking milk, which is evidence that the intestinal lactase is deficient, and lactose is fermented by bacteria in the intestine.
Furthermore, the peak time is also critical. Reaching the peak too early, or pointing to the small intestine for excessive transmission, the food enters the colon before it is fully digested and absorbed, causing the bacteria to ferment in advance. Reaching the peak too late, or due to delayed intestinal motility, food congestion, and delayed fermentation.
In addition, individual differences should not be underestimated. Age, eating habits, past history of intestinal microecology, etc., can all affect the results of the test. The intestinal function of the elderly declines, the proportion of flora changes, or the production and excretion of hydrogen is different from that of the young and strong; long-term vegetarians, the intestinal bacteria spectrum is different from that of meat eaters, and the fermentation ability of carbohydrates is also different.
In summary, in order to accurately interpret the hydrogen breath test, it is necessary to comprehensively consider a variety of factors, explore its profound meaning in a scientific and prudent manner, and find reliable evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

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