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Hydrogen Breath Test Center - Odessa, TX

Odessa 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 Odessa *

Permain Gastroenterology Associates LLP
Ravikumar P Vemuru
315 E 5th St
Odessa, TX 79761
(432) 333-3433

Govind B Patel
Govind B Patel
4214 Andrews Hwy
STE 203
Midland, TX 79703
(432) 697-1000

Mrunal C Patel MD
Mrunal C Patel
4214 Andrews Hwy
STE 203
Midland, TX 79703
(432) 697-1000

Alma Ramos MD
Alma Ramos
1706 W Texas Ave
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 620-9797

Odessa, Texas

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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 Odessa

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Odessa Hospitals *

Medical Center Hospital Odessa
500 W 4th St
Odessa, TX 79761
(432)640-4000

Regency Hospital of Odessa
500 W 4th St
Odessa, TX 79761
(432)552-4000

Odessa Regional Medical Center West Campus
520 E 6th St
Odessa, TX 79761
(432)582-8000

Odessa Regional Medical Center East Campus
515 N Adams Ave
Odessa, TX 79761
(432)582-8002

HEALTHSOUTH Midland Rehabilitation Hospital
1800 Heritage Blvd
Midland, TX 79707
(432)520-1600

Midland Memorial Hospital West Campus
4214 Andrews Hwy
Midland, TX 79703
(432)522-2273

Midland Memorial Hospital
2200 W Illinois Ave
Midland, TX 79701
(432)685-1111

Desert Springs Medical Center
3300 S FM 1788
Midland, TX 79706
(432)563-1200

Crane Memorial Hospital
1310 S Alford St
Crane, TX 79731
(432)558-3555

Martin County Hospital District
610 N St Peter St
Stanton, TX 79782
(432)756-3345

Ward Memorial Hospital
406 S Gary St
Monahans, TX 79756
(432)943-2511

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