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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 28, 2014; 20(24): 7587-7601
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i24.7587
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i24.7587
Breath tests and irritable bowel syndrome
Satya Vati Rana, Aastha Malik, Department of Super Specialty Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
Author contributions: Both authors contributed to the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Satya Vati Rana, Professor, Department of Super Specialty Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, House No 137, Sector 15-A, Chandigarh 160012, India. svrana25@hotmail.com
Telephone: +91-987-6139933 Fax: +91-172-2744401
Received: August 17, 2013
Revised: January 14, 2014
Accepted: February 16, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Revised: January 14, 2014
Accepted: February 16, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Bloating and distention are often attributed to dietary factors by patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recently, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been advocated as a pathogenetic factor of IBS. Sugar malabsorption in the bowel can lead to bloating, cramps, diarrhea and other symptoms of IBS as well as affecting absorption of other nutrients. The breath test is now a well-established noninvasive test for assessing malabsorption of sugars in the small intestine. The glucose breath test has been reported as a better diagnostic method for determination of SIBO. Therefore, this review highlights the role of breath tests in diagnosis and management of IBS.