The glucose and lactulose breath tests are done to determine if there is excessive bacteria in the small bowel. Lactulose testing may also be used to determine the time it takes to move through the small bowel. The lactose breath test is used to determine if the patient has lactose intolerance. Fructose testing is used to determine if fructose intolerance exists. The most common problems studied are:

• Bloating and gas
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea or constipation

• Do not eat or drink anything after 7 p.m., although water can be taken before midnight. (If you are diabetic, please talk to your primary care doctor)
• No beans, lentils or heavy meats (such as a steak) for dinner the night before the test
• New patients should stop taking any antibiotics two to three weeks before the test. Repeat patients should stop any antibiotics seven to 10 days before the test.
• You may take scheduled medications at least two hours prior to the study with small sips of water
• No gum chewing or smoking on morning of test
• Brush your teeth in the morning

A urea breath test is used to find out if there is urease (an enzyme produced by the bacteria, helicobacter pylori) in the stomach. It is used to diagnose the infection and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (If you are diabetic, please talk to your primary care doctor)
• No antibiotics, omeprazole or bismuth medications (such as Pepto-Bismol) within two weeks of the test
• You may take other scheduled medications at least two hours prior to the study with small sips of water