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Hydrogen Breath Test Center - Grand Island, NE

Grand Island Gastroenterologist Doctors for Hydrogen Breath Test

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Grand Island *

Platte Valley Medical Group PC
David M Gossat
3219 Central Ave
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 865-2263

Platte Valley Medical Group PC
Lawrence Rothenberg
3219 Central Ave
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 865-2263

Grand Island, Nebraska

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Hydrogen Breath Test

What is the hydrogen breath test?

The hydrogen breath test is a test that uses the measurement of hydrogen in the breath to diagnose several conditions that cause gastrointestinal symptoms. In humans, only bacteria - specifically, anaerobic bacteria in the colon - are capable of producing hydrogen. The bacteria produce hydrogen when they are exposed to unabsorbed food, particularly sugars and carbohydrates, not proteins or fats. Although limited hydrogen is produced from the small amounts of unabsorbed food that normally reach the colon, large amounts of hydrogen may be produced when there is a problem with the digestion or absorption of food in the small intestine, that allows more unabsorbed food to reach the colon.

Large amounts of hydrogen also may be produced when the colon bacteria move back into the small intestine, a condition called bacterial overgrowth of the small bowel. In this latter instance, the bacteria are exposed to unabsorbed food that has not had a chance to completely traverse the small intestine to be fully digested and absorbed. Some of the hydrogen produced by the bacteria, whether in the small intestine or the colon, is absorbed into the blood flowing through the wall of the small intestine and colon. The hydrogen-containing blood travels to the lungs where the hydrogen is released and exhaled in the breath where it can be measured.

When is hydrogen breath testing used?

Hydrogen breath testing is used in the diagnosis of three conditions.

  • The first is a condition in which dietary sugars are not digested normally. The most common sugar that is poorly digested is lactose, the sugar in milk. Individuals who are unable to properly digest lactose are referred to as lactose intolerant. Testing also may be used to diagnose problems with the digestion of other sugars such as sucrose, fructose and sorbitol.
  • ...

Recommended Reading Related to Hydrogen Breath Test

Celiac Disease »

Celiac disease facts

  • Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disorder in which damage to the lining of the small intestine leads to the malabsorption of minerals and nutrients.

  • The destruction of the inner lining of the small intestine in celiac disease is caused by an immunological (allergic) reaction to gluten.

  • Gluten is a family of proteins present in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats.

  • Individuals with celiac disease may develop diarrhea, steatorrhea, weight loss, flatulence, iron deficiency anemia, abnormal bleeding, or weakened bones. However, many adults with celiac disease may have either no symptoms or only vague abdominal discomfort such as bloating, abdominal distension, and excess gas.

  • Children with celiac disease may have stunted growth, and if untreated, childhood celiac disease can result in short stature as an adult.
    ...

Emergency Contact for Grand Island

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Grand Island Hospitals *

St Francis Medical Center
2620 W Faidley Ave
Grand Island, NE 68803
(308)384-4600

VA Medical Center Grand Island
2201 N Broadwell Ave
Grand Island, NE 68803
(308)382-3660

Memorial Hospital
1423 7th St
Aurora, NE 68818
(402)694-3171

Howard County Community Hospital
1113 Sherman St
Saint Paul, NE 68873
(308)754-4421

Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital
715 N St Joseph Ave
Hastings, NE 68901
(402)463-4521

Hastings Regional Center
4200 W 2nd St
Hastings, NE 68901
(402)462-1971

Litzenberg Memorial County Hospital
1715 26th St
Central City, NE 68826
(308)946-3015

Henderson Health Care Services
1621 Front St
Henderson, NE 68371
(402)723-4512

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