Comprehensive Guide to Partnering for Accurate SIBO Testing and Results

The American Journal of Gastroenterology reports that Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) tests have sensitivity and specificity measurements exceeding 80%. These indicators refer to how well a diagnostic tool identifies the specific disease or traits in question and how well the absence of the condition is also detected, which helps avoid false negatives and positives.

When looking for information on “SIBO breath testing near me in Fairfield and Westchester County,” partnering with specialists in areas such as naturopathic and functional medicine supports the reliability and accuracy of these and other evaluations. The Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine in Stamford also provides clear and complete information on how to perform such testing conveniently at home, as the steps you take before, during, and after the process can affect the results.

What methods are generally available for SIBO testing?

SIBO tests can be conducted at offices or clinics or using carefully selected at-home test kits. With our expertise, you have peace of mind that the findings from your test will be predictable and get you one step closer to understanding the cause of unexplained bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and more symptoms.

What are the other benefits of partnering with professionals?

At CTCIM, we can screen for hydrogen sulfide. With most SIBO tests, this gas is not evaluated. The more that we can measure and analyze, the better our understanding of the extent and severity of bacterial overgrowth. Our approach to SIBO and all tests support “big picture” insights into your overall health, which aids in effective treatments or “next steps.”

Do all of the breath tests work in generally the same way?

All breath tests aim to measure the number of gases that work their way from the small intestine to the lungs, where they are released when you breathe out. These gases are produced by bacteria that are housed in the small intestine. When an excess amount of hydrogen, methane, and other gases are measured as you exhale, it can indicate an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO is implicated in many gastrointestinal complaints, from chronic bloating to abdominal pain. Studies have also linked SIBO to various diseases, including IBD, cirrhosis, motility disorders, and fatty liver.

What should I do to support accurate results?

Follow any instructions provided by our team. There are specific steps to take before, during, and following the test. A few of the preparation steps largely involve:

Avoiding any bowel cleansing procedures (such as colonoscopy) or taking antibiotics for at least four weeks before the test – contact us to reschedule if you must have these services or therapies.
Refraining from the use of stool softeners or laxatives for at least one week before your test.
Following suggested meal plans 24 hours beforehand.
Consuming water only (no other food or drink) 12 hours prior – you may need to change your morning insulin dose if you are diabetic.

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What can I expect on the day of the test?

It’s important to continue to fast. You may continue to drink small amounts of water, too. You should avoid smoking or vaping during the test, strenuous physical exercise, and napping, as they can affect the readings. Right before performing the test, brush your teeth, as having a clean mouth is important for accurate readings. You will then drink a glucose mixture, brush your teeth, take breath samples as directed, and repeat the process at different intervals until the test is complete. You will also be provided information on correctly collecting the samples and what to do with them once the test is complete. You can stop fasting at this point and drink and eat normally. You may also resume any exercise or medications at this time.

The Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine will call you once your samples have been analyzed. We will review the findings/report with you and, from there, discuss recommendations based on this information to relieve your symptoms and resolve any underlying problems. If you are interested in more details on options for SIBO testing at our office, request an appointment today! Call (866) 320-6402 to speak with a Stamford, CT team member.

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Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine is a multi-disciplinary team of providers that work collaboratively to assist you on your healthcare journey. Taking a truly holistic approach that honors your unique needs, the team will work with you to get you sustainably well.

Dr. Robert Kachko, Founder and Director of the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine, is a pioneer in Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine and has developed an extensive bio-psychosocial methodology for people living with chronic diseases. As Past President of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Dr. Kachko advocates for healthcare reform to allow everyone access to the kind of care our clinic provides.