Selph Gut health

SIBO Test

Use our hydrogen and methane lactulose breath test to check for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO.

  • At-home test
  • Doctor reviewed
Sample
Breath
Collection
At-home breath test by post
Results in
7–8 days
Biomarkers
2
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Tests for
  • Hydrogen level
  • Methane level

Test specifications

Provider
Selph
Sample type
breath
Collection method
at-home breath test by post
Turnaround time
7–8 days
Biomarkers tested
2
At-home test
Yes
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

2 biomarkers as listed by Selph.

Hydrogen Methane Breath Test

  • Hydrogen level
  • Methane level

About this test

A SIBO test is a hydrogen and methane breath test which checks for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

So if you are struggling with unexplained bowel symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea or constipation a SIBO breath test is for you.

What you need to know about our SIBO Test

SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is a common condition where excess bacteria in the small intestine cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

Our SIBO Breath Test is a simple home test where you collect breath samples after drinking lactulose sugar-solution. You'll send the breath samples to our lab for analysis of hydrogen and methane levels. We'll explain whether your results suggest SIBO in your online doctor's report.

You can also book a consultation with one of our gut-health doctors to discuss your results and prescribe treatment if required (costs extra).

What is SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)?

SIBO is a common gut condition where there is an excess of bacteria in the small bowel. These bacteria metabolise carbohydrate in your diet to produce gases that lead to symptoms such as bloating. Bacteria can also affect the absorption of fat and vitamins leading to diarrhoea and deficiencies.

SIBO symptoms?

SIBO can cause gut symptoms such as:

  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhoea
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Constipation

SIBO symptoms aren't limited to the gut. Symptoms could also include:

  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Joint pain
  • Skin rashes

What other conditions is SIBO linked to?

As we learn more about the gut-brain axis and the gut-skin axis, we're discovering that SIBO is linked to a number of other conditions. These include:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis

How to test for SIBO?

  1. Follow a low-fermenting diet for 24 hours.
  2. Take a baseline breath sample
  3. Drink a solution of lactulose, a carbohydrate that is not absorbed by your gut but is metabolised by bacteria
  4. Take 6 breath samples over 150 minutes.
  5. A raised level of hydrogen or methane in your breath samples can indicate SIBO.

SIBO treatment?

The goal of SIBO treatment is not to eradicate all the bacteria from the small intestine. Rather, we need to modulate them in a way that improves symptoms.

Because SIBO has many different causes, there's no one-size-fits-all treatment. We need to tailor the treatment to the individual. Once you've received your result, you'll be able to book a consultation with one of our gut-health experts to discuss your results and treatment options (extra charges apply).

We find that a holistic approach to SIBO treatment produces the best results and minimises relapse. This involves:

  • Addressing the underlying cause
  • Lifestyle change
  • Optimising diet
  • Anti-microbial treatment - this can be with antibiotics, herbal antimicrobials or a combination of both.

Description provided by Selph.

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