The hydrogen breath test is a diagnostic tool used to detect and evaluate various gastrointestinal conditions, particularly those related to carbohydrate malabsorption. Cleveland Clinic states that the hydrogen breath test is noninvasive and generally harmless, but it does identify digestive problems by inducing those problems.
Platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking hydrogen breath test with the international patients and facilitators for affordable treatments.
This article explores about the significance and procedure of hydrogen breath test and discusses about how medical tourism in India, Thailand, and Turkey could help it.
Hydrogen breath test: a glimpse
The significance of the hydrogen breath test lies in its ability to identify specific conditions such as lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. These conditions can cause digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The test works on the principle that certain carbohydrates, when not properly absorbed in the small intestine, are fermented by bacteria in the colon, producing hydrogen gas as a byproduct. By measuring the levels of hydrogen in the breath, healthcare professionals can infer the presence and severity of carbohydrate malabsorption.
Test requires avoiding certain foods and beverages that may interfere with the test, such as high-fiber foods, certain medications, and antibiotics. On the day of the test, patients are instructed to fast for a specific period of time, usually overnight.
During the test, the patient is asked to consume a solution containing a specific carbohydrate, such as lactose or fructose. The patient’s breath is then collected at regular intervals over a few hours using a specialized breath collection device. The collected breath samples are analyzed to measure the levels of hydrogen gas. If there is an abnormal increase in hydrogen levels, it suggests that the patient is not properly absorbing the specific carbohydrate being tested. Michigan Medicine states that the hydrogen breath test for glucose lasts about 2 hours and the test for lactose, fructose, and sucrose lasts about 2-3 hours.
Medical Tourism for Hydrogen Breath Test
Medical tourism has made it easier for individuals to access hydrogen breath tests by providing affordable and accessible healthcare options in countries like India, Thailand, and Turkey.
India, known for its advanced medical facilities and highly skilled healthcare professionals, has become a popular destination for medical tourists. The country offers state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratories equipped with the latest technology to conduct hydrogen breath tests accurately at affordable cost.
Thailand is another country that has established itself as a renowned medical tourism destination. With its modern healthcare infrastructure and well-trained medical professionals, Thailand offers high-quality hydrogen breath tests at a fraction of the cost found in many Western nations.
Turkey has also emerged as a popular choice for medical tourists seeking hydrogen breath tests. The country offers a range of accredited medical facilities with experienced gastroenterologists who specialize in gastrointestinal diagnostic procedures.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour provide opportunities for patients seeking hydrogen breath test to combine their treatment with vacation.
In conclusion, the hydrogen breath test is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating carbohydrate malabsorption and related gastrointestinal conditions. Medical tourism in countries like India, Thailand, and Turkey has facilitated access to hydrogen breath tests, providing patients with cost-effective options and high-quality diagnostic services.